The hottest Healthcare Substack posts right now

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Top Health Politics Topics

"Murder" is the new inflation word

The Rubesletter by Matt Ruby (of Vooza) | Sent every Tuesday • 855 implied HN points • 16 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Healthcare Civic engagement Political Influence Social justice
  1. The word 'murder' is being used more lightly these days. People want to express anger and make big statements, but it can dilute the real meaning of serious words.
  2. Using violence against individuals to protest bigger issues, like corporate greed, is not the right approach. It's better to change the system instead of targeting people.
  3. Political representatives often don't listen to what the public wants because they are swayed by big money from corporations. It's important to hold politicians accountable and push for real changes.

The New Medical Supernemesis

Justin E. H. Smith's Hinternet • 794 implied HN points • 19 Dec 24
🏥 Health Politics Healthcare Ethics Policy Technology Philosophy
  1. The concept of 'the Deal' suggests a future where people can live up to 280 years, but it comes with heavy trade-offs, like losing personal belongings and facing a controlled way of dying. It's a challenging idea about how we value life and death.
  2. In this future scenario, many might feel trapped in a fake version of life, where they experience pleasant distractions instead of actually living. The imagery of a body trying to escape emphasizes the struggle against a hollow existence.
  3. Reflecting on this situation can make us question our current medical practices and life choices, similar to how historical figures have critiqued society. It invites a deeper discussion about what it truly means to live and die in our time.

Reader Question: What is Food Noise?

Weight and Healthcare • 798 implied HN points • 06 Apr 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Nutrition Weight Loss Healthcare Medication Body Image
  1. Be cautious of the concept of 'food noise' promoted by weight loss drug makers as a rebranding of normal hunger or a way to profit off people's broken relationships with food.
  2. Some weight loss drugs aim to manipulate hunger signals through impacting the brain and gut, with unclear long-term effects and potential risks.
  3. The weight loss industry's push for drugs like GLP-1 agonists raises concerns about informed consent, lack of long-term research, and prioritizing short-term weight loss over potential health consequences.

The "YaYa Yeet and Pop Drop": Dumping The Elderly At The ER Is A Cherished Tradition

Everything Is An Emergency • 955 implied HN points • 28 Nov 24
😂 Humor Satire Traditions Family Dynamics Healthcare
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Oranga Tamariki NZ (Ministry for Children), and the questions raised on how much gender ideology is embedded there.

A B’Old Woman • 439 implied HN points • 27 May 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Gender Issues Public Policy Child welfare Healthcare Social movements
  1. Oranga Tamariki in New Zealand is struggling to track how many children are receiving puberty blockers and other gender-related treatments. This lack of data makes it hard to understand the impact of these treatments.
  2. Many organizations and healthcare providers in New Zealand don't consistently record information about young people using these treatments. This makes it difficult to analyze trends or outcomes.
  3. The conversation highlights a growing concern among some groups about the influence of gender ideology in systems meant to protect children. Many feel it's time to address these issues more openly.
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True Bipartisanship! America's Ruling Class Joins Hands to Say Violence Against the Ruling Class is Never the Answer.

JoeWrote • 192 implied HN points • 10 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Bipartisanship Working Class Healthcare Corporate Power Political Discourse
  1. There's a big divide in America between the working class who face tough healthcare choices and the wealthy elite who don't understand these struggles. Many people feel sympathy for those who resort to extreme actions out of frustration with the healthcare system.
  2. Regulations and profit-driven decisions in the healthcare industry often lead to people being denied medical care, resulting in serious consequences for families. The focus on profits can make it seem like lives are less important.
  3. While some defend the actions of healthcare executives as just following rules, many believe that this mindset excuses harmful policies. The working class wants accountability from those who benefit from a system that puts profit over people's health.

Understanding the Obesity Bill of Rights - Part 1

Weight and Healthcare • 659 implied HN points • 20 Apr 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Obesity Healthcare Weight Loss Activism
  1. The 'Obesity Bill of Rights' is part of a movement lobbying for insurance coverage for weight loss industry products and interventions.
  2. The language used in the 'Obesity Bill of Rights' is rooted in marketing from weight loss companies, not in science.
  3. The rights proposed in the 'Obesity Bill of Rights' seem to prioritize weight loss industry profits over actual healthcare for higher-weight individuals.

Four common mistakes that fitness pros make with higher-weight people

Weight and Healthcare • 918 implied HN points • 16 Mar 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Fitness Weight Training Healthcare Body Acceptance
  1. Don't assume someone's fitness level based on their size - treat everyone with respect and provide options for all body types.
  2. Accept and accommodate all body sizes in fitness spaces - blame the equipment, not the clients, if the space isn't inclusive.
  3. Encourage strength training for all body types - emphasize the benefits of strength training and avoid pushing weight loss goals.

The Bellevue Hospital Weight Loss Surgery Factory

Weight and Healthcare • 1397 implied HN points • 13 Jan 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Healthcare Ethics
  1. Bellevue Hospital's weight loss surgery program has been criticized for endangering patients and compromising urgent care due to financial incentives and high patient turnover.
  2. Patients at Bellevue Hospital often receive surgery dates quickly after minimal assessments, leading to insufficient risk understanding and inappropriate qualifications for procedures.
  3. The hospital's weight loss surgery assembly line approach includes rushing procedures, neglecting ethics like informed consent, and potentially harmfully pushing for surgeries despite minimal patient assessments.

UnitedHealth Group, the Biggest Private Health Insurer on the Planet, Made $8.5 Billion in Profits in Q1 2024

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 619 implied HN points • 16 Apr 24
🏥 Health Politics Insurance Medicare Medicaid Healthcare Regulation
  1. UnitedHealth Group made $8.5 billion in profits in the first quarter of 2024, showing strong financial growth despite recent challenges. Their revenues have tripled over the last decade, indicating a significant increase in business.
  2. A big part of their success comes from government programs like Medicare and Medicaid, where enrollment has jumped in recent years. This growth has helped them dominate the market alongside a few other large competitors.
  3. Despite their financial success, many healthcare providers are struggling due to a cyberattack on a subsidiary. Advocates are concerned that profit-focused practices may lead to patients not receiving necessary care.

No more letters from the hospital

Rory’s Always On Newsletter • 1448 implied HN points • 11 Jan 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Healthcare Digital Health Patient Care Medical Technology
  1. DrDoctor is transforming hospital appointments by making them digital through smartphones.
  2. Digitizing appointments reduces costs, inefficiencies, and improves the overall experience for patients.
  3. The shift towards digital appointments has the potential to lead to more innovative healthcare services and patient engagement.

Ottoman America

Daily Dreher • 1218 implied HN points • 08 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Military Healthcare
  1. The US Secretary of Defense was hospitalized without informing the president during a time of daily attacks on US troops.
  2. The head of the Joint Chiefs was aware of the Secretary of Defense's situation before the president was.
  3. Consider subscribing to Rod Dreher's Diary for more insights and a 7-day free trial.

⤴⤵ Up Wing/Down Wing #23

Faster, Please! • 274 implied HN points • 02 Nov 24
💼 Business Economy Innovation Technology Healthcare Energy
  1. The US economy is doing really well, growing almost 3% this past year. This growth is mainly due to increased productivity and low inflation, making it a strong economy overall.
  2. Advancements in technology have made the US oil and gas industry the most productive in the nation. New methods in drilling and efficiency are helping keep energy prices low and the economy strong.
  3. A new AI app called Death Clock can predict how long you'll live and offer tips to improve your health. This app uses a lot of research to give personalized recommendations for a better, longer life.

Will Biden Pardon Fauci?

Vinay Prasad's Observations and Thoughts • 153 implied HN points • 05 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Justice Healthcare Public Policy Government Accountability Political Commentary
  1. Biden might pardon Fauci, who is accused of perjury for his statements about gain of function research. This could set a worrying example for future public health leaders.
  2. Fauci's handling of the pandemic included many controversial decisions, like his advice on masks and school closures. Many believe he didn't provide enough scientific backing for these decisions.
  3. Justice isn't just about punishment; it serves to deter future wrong actions. Pardoning Fauci could lead to more reckless behavior in health leadership during crises.

How We Voted in 2016 Contributed to UnitedHealth's Acquisition of Change Healthcare

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 479 implied HN points • 09 Apr 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Healthcare Regulation Judiciary Corporate
  1. The 2016 election had lasting effects on healthcare, influencing how major companies like UnitedHealth operate and acquire others. Our votes in elections can impact our everyday lives, including healthcare costs and data security.
  2. UnitedHealth acquired Change Healthcare despite government pushback, which raised concerns about competition and data security. The deal was approved partly because of a judge who favored business interests over regulatory caution.
  3. Big corporations, like UnitedHealth, are becoming more powerful, controlling more parts of the healthcare system. This trend can lead to increased costs and reduced patient protections, making it crucial to pay attention to political choices that affect healthcare regulations.

Reader Question: What to do if you experience medical weight stigma

Weight and Healthcare • 639 implied HN points • 06 Mar 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Weight Stigma Healthcare Resources Advocacy
  1. Weight stigma in healthcare is common and can have various forms, impacting patients differently depending on many factors.
  2. There are several ways to address and respond to weight stigma in healthcare, such as addressing it in the moment, submitting a complaint, or sharing experiences on review sites and social media.
  3. Taking action against weight stigma, like lodging complaints, can lead to changes in healthcare practices even if the outcomes are not always visible.

NYT Ethicist’s Weight Stigma Problem

Weight and Healthcare • 1597 implied HN points • 01 Jul 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Weight Stigma Body positivity Mental health Healthcare Self-care
  1. The columnist's response perpetuated weight stigma by disregarding boundaries and making assumptions about health based on weight.
  2. It's essential to respect others' boundaries, especially regarding personal matters like weight and health.
  3. Approaching conversations about weight and health should prioritize well-being, avoiding judgment, and listening to the individual.

DEATH BY PAPERWORK: Watch NYT Opinion video on health insurers' "prior authorization" practices

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 579 implied HN points • 15 Mar 24
🏥 Health Politics Insurance Healthcare Patient rights Bureaucracy Medical Ethics
  1. Prior authorization is a process where patients and doctors must get approval from insurance companies before certain treatments can be covered. This often causes delays and can lead to worsening health issues for patients.
  2. The process can be very frustrating and complicated, leading some patients to skip necessary care altogether. This can increase stress and harm their health further.
  3. Doctors and their staff spend a lot of time dealing with the paperwork required for prior authorization, which takes away from actual patient care and can lead to burnout among healthcare providers.

Reader Question - How to Find a Weight-Neutral Provider

Weight and Healthcare • 579 implied HN points • 09 Mar 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Healthcare Weight-neutral care Lists Resources
  1. To find a weight-neutral healthcare provider, look for terms like weight-neutral, weight-inclusive, anti-diet, and Health at Every Size(tm).
  2. Utilize lists of vetted providers from organizations like ASDAH, Mary Lambert, Christy Harrison, and Jen McLellan.
  3. You can also ask in fat-positive groups for referrals, call ahead to inquire about weight-neutral care, or discuss your preferences with your current provider.

Doesn't FDA Approval Mean Weight Loss Drugs Are Safe? - Reader Question

Weight and Healthcare • 758 implied HN points • 31 Jan 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Healthcare Weight Loss FDA Approval Drug Safety Research
  1. FDA approval of a drug does not mean it is completely without risks; it means the benefits are deemed worth the risks.
  2. The FDA assesses the risks and benefits of a drug based on the research provided by the pharmaceutical company before granting approval.
  3. When it comes to weight loss drugs, the risk/benefit analysis by the FDA may be skewed due to questionable research around weight and health, leading to a lower safety bar for approval.

Mr. Witty Goes To Washington

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 339 implied HN points • 01 May 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Healthcare Government Corporate Influence Public Policy Legislation
  1. Andrew Witty, the CEO of UnitedHealth Group, is facing tough questioning from Congress about a serious hacking incident that affected payments to doctors and hospitals. This is a crucial moment for him as lawmakers want clear answers.
  2. UnitedHealth's revenue has grown significantly, making it one of the largest companies in the U.S. healthcare system. Witty might downplay the company’s size, but it has grown from $87.1 billion in 2009 to $371.6 billion last year.
  3. Witty may argue that the company’s large financial resources help in recovering from incidents like the hack. However, critics suggest that such wealth is a result of harmful business practices that strain healthcare providers.

EXCLUSIVE: As private citizen, Dr. Fauci received $15 million taxpayer-funded security detail

OpenTheBooks Substack • 646 implied HN points • 07 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Public Policy Healthcare Security
  1. Dr. Fauci received $15 million for a security detail funded by taxpayers after retiring. This included things like a chauffeur and law enforcement support.
  2. The agreement for his security was unusual, raising questions about why a private citizen gets this level of protection when others do not.
  3. Fauci's security costs were justified by him, citing threats he's received, but it highlights how taxpayers are often unaware of where their money is going.

Disaffected: Episode 158

Disaffected Newsletter • 659 implied HN points • 11 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Society Public Policy Healthcare Media
  1. There's a sense that many people in the West are out of touch with reality. This disconnect can lead to serious problems for society.
  2. President Biden is showing signs of memory issues, and this has been highlighted in a recent report. It raises concerns about his ability to remember important events.
  3. There are alarming trends in society, like extreme actions taken by some parents regarding their children's health. This suggests we may be facing significant social issues.

Resources to Fight BMI-Based Denials for Lumbar Spinal Surgery

Weight and Healthcare • 778 implied HN points • 06 Jan 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Surgery Obesity Healthcare Body positivity
  1. BMI-based denials of care hold healthcare hostage for weight loss, making it inaccessible for many people.
  2. Studies show that being overweight or obese should not be a reason to deny lumbar spinal surgery.
  3. Healthcare systems should adapt to fit patients of all body types, rather than excluding higher-weight individuals from care.

Will RFK Jr make it all the way to HHS secretary?

Vinay Prasad's Observations and Thoughts • 149 implied HN points • 14 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Policy Government Healthcare Political appointments
  1. RFK Jr. is Trump's nominee for HHS secretary, but getting confirmed may be difficult. He needs support from Republicans and could face pushback from powerful corporate interests.
  2. While RFK Jr. has some popular views, like being against pollution and the influence of big pharma, he also has a mixed history that could be used against him during confirmation.
  3. Even if RFK Jr. makes it to HHS, he might struggle to implement major changes due to strong opposition from the system and media, which could slow down his agenda significantly.

Life on the Social Security Plantation

donaldjeffries • 1257 implied HN points • 27 Feb 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social Security Medicare Healthcare Government
  1. Social Security and Medicare are seen as entitlements, but workers pay into these systems their entire working lives.
  2. There are ideological differences in views on Social Security, with conservatives aiming to end it and liberals revering it as sacrosanct.
  3. The current Social Security system faces criticism for its sustainability, lack of means testing, and income cap, highlighting the need for reform.

The NHS - Making it Better

Rory’s Always On Newsletter • 1230 implied HN points • 26 Oct 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Healthcare Improvement Communication Management Software
  1. Patients and healthcare practitioners have had similar experiences of delays and poor communication within the NHS.
  2. Minor software tweaks can lead to significant time and cost savings for the NHS.
  3. Driving change within the NHS requires incentives, a vision for improvement, and individuals committed to pushing through the changes.

Minor Mifepristone Ruling is Major

SHERO • 648 implied HN points • 17 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Abortion Lawsuit Supreme Court Standing Healthcare
  1. A Trump-appointed judge's ruling in Texas allows more states to join a lawsuit against restrictions on the abortion pill Mifepristone.
  2. The Supreme Court agreed to hear an appeal to preserve broad access to the Mifepristone abortion pill, delaying potential restrictions.
  3. The legal battle surrounding Mifepristone highlights the impact of standing in court cases and raises questions about judicial legitimacy.

The story of this election is the story of women’s anger

Men Yell at Me • 462 implied HN points • 05 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Women's Rights Public Opinion Political strategy Healthcare
  1. Women's anger is a big story in this election, especially about issues like abortion rights. Many women are voting based on how these issues affect their lives.
  2. Senior women who previously supported Trump are now favoring Kamala Harris due to frustration over new abortion laws. They remember the struggles before Roe v. Wade.
  3. The right to abortion is not just about healthcare; it's about women's autonomy and equality in society. This anger is pushing women to vote and demand change.

How to Calibrate Your Anxiety to the Degree of *Actual* Risk 🩺

Are You Okay? • 938 implied HN points • 13 Nov 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Anxiety Diseases Risk Factors Screening Healthcare
  1. Working on anxiety alone cannot ensure good health, focus on understanding actual risks.
  2. Recognize risk factors for diseases like ovarian cancer and Alzheimer's to make informed decisions about screenings and lifestyle changes.
  3. Calibrating anxiety involves accepting factors out of control, focusing on facts, and working towards change in areas within your control.

Increased risk of 20%? Dr. JimThorp, obstetrician/gynecologist who led the fight against the COVID mRNA technology gene injections as to harms on the fetus, mother, newborn, as has Dr. Naomi Wolf, are

Alexander News Network -Dr. Paul Elias Alexander's substack • 530 implied HN points • 11 Feb 24
🏥 Health Politics Vaccination Research Healthcare COVID-19 Women's Health
  1. A new study suggests a 20% increased risk of severe bleeding post-mRNA vaccination in women hospitalized for heavy menstrual bleeding.
  2. The study focused on women aged 15-50 who experienced heavy menstrual bleeding post-mRNA vaccination in France between May 2021 and August 2022, with 99.8% receiving Comirnaty (Pfizer) or Spikevax (Moderna).
  3. Primary vaccination doses showed a 20% increased risk, particularly in socially disadvantaged municipalities and among women not using hormonal contraception, but this increased risk was not found for booster doses.

The Concept of “Non-Compliance” and Weight Loss Recommendations

Weight and Healthcare • 1058 implied HN points • 02 Aug 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Weight Loss Healthcare Body Acceptance
  1. Non-compliance labeling in healthcare can have negative implications on patients, especially when it comes to weight loss recommendations.
  2. There is a strong emphasis on the importance of reframing health as supporting behaviors rather than just focusing on weight loss as a measure of compliance.
  3. Many weight loss interventions lack long-term efficacy and can result in weight cycling, leading to patient dissatisfaction and potential harm.