The hottest Healthcare Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Health Politics Topics

Amazon, Dr. Gupta, Lilly and Other Thoughts

Martin’s Newsletter • 687 implied HN points • 10 May 23
💼 Business Healthcare
  1. Amazon has had negative free cash flow but is worth $1T, proving traditional valuation models may not apply.
  2. Dr. Gupta's AI healthcare system has received positive feedback with interest for nationwide deployment, highlighting the need for innovative healthcare solutions.
  3. Lilly's Mounjaro product showed impressive sales potential, indicating a shift in the pharmaceutical industry.

Cigna said to be going after Humana to buy its way into Medicare Advantage

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 519 implied HN points • 28 Nov 23
💼 Business Healthcare
  1. Cigna is looking to acquire Humana to strengthen its position in the Medicare Advantage market. This is important because Medicare Advantage is a growing and profitable area in health insurance.
  2. If the deal goes through, Cigna and Humana together would have around 30 million health plan enrollees in the U.S., but they would still be smaller than their main competitor, UnitedHealthcare.
  3. Cigna's focus on this acquisition shows that they see it as a strategic move to grow, especially since both companies are shifting away from their commercial insurance businesses.

Meet the nurse who's also a private equity investor

Second Opinion • 668 implied HN points • 24 Apr 23
💼 Business Healthcare
  1. Meghan Fitzgerald is a nurse who's also a private equity investor, unique in the health care field.
  2. She focuses on investing in removing waste, prevention, and addressing labor and burnout in the healthcare sector.
  3. Meghan remains optimistic about the healthcare market, especially in areas like public health tech.
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The Problem With “Classes” of “Obesity"

Weight and Healthcare • 678 implied HN points • 10 May 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Healthcare
  1. The concept of 'obesity' based on BMI can be problematic and does not account for individual health variations.
  2. Classifications of obesity, especially in healthcare, can lead to biased treatment recommendations favoring weight loss over evidence-based, weight-neutral care.
  3. The arbitrary nature of BMI 'classes' for obesity can result in significant differences in treatment recommendations with just small changes in weight, perpetuating weight stigma and inequality in healthcare.

Wegovy Side Effects and Informed Consent - Part 2

Weight and Healthcare • 579 implied HN points • 04 Nov 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Healthcare
  1. Wegovy is a weight-loss drug that has not been around for a long time, as it is a repurposed version of another drug called semaglutide, with evolving risks and warnings.
  2. Wegovy and Ozempic differ in dosage and treatment purpose, with Wegovy aiming to maximize weight loss side effects at a high dose that exceeds the maximum dose of Ozempic.
  3. Informed consent conversations with healthcare practitioners are essential, especially when considering drugs like Wegovy with significant side effects and dosage differences.

Up Wing/Down Wing #35

Faster, Please! • 731 implied HN points • 01 Mar 25
🕹 Technology Healthcare
  1. OpenAI has released a new AI model called GPT-4.5 that is better at understanding prompts and generating content. This improvement makes AI more reliable for writing and coding tasks.
  2. Amazon has launched its first quantum computing chip named Ocelot, which could tackle complex problems much faster than regular computers. This is a big step in the competition for advanced technology.
  3. AI is now helping organizations to better target aid for people in need by analyzing various data sources. This technology can make sure help reaches the right communities, improving ways to fight poverty.

Build bridges. And, moats.

Trickle-Down Wellness • 373 implied HN points • 15 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Healthcare
  1. Building bridges and moats is important for navigating the social and political landscape.
  2. Controlling the flow of ideas is essential for mental health and societal well-being.
  3. Defending civil rights and healthcare accessibility is crucial, even amidst societal challenges.

Op-Ed in Today's Daily Beast

Ladyparts • 539 implied HN points • 05 Nov 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Healthcare
  1. Caretaking in America is a critical part of healthcare but is often overlooked or undervalued.
  2. The government is failing to adequately address the cost and challenges associated with caretaking.
  3. The author highlights the need for more awareness and support for caretakers and emphasizes the importance of discussing this issue.

Why Identity in Healthcare Sucks

Health API Guy • 609 implied HN points • 03 Aug 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Healthcare
  1. Identity in healthcare is facing challenges in the digital era, with traditional methods like access codes and knowledge-based questions showing flaws.
  2. Healthcare organizations need to modernize their identity verification processes to provide a low-friction, secure, and private user experience.
  3. Increasing digital engagement through improved identity flows can benefit both patients and healthcare providers, leading to higher satisfaction and improved access to healthcare data.

⤴⤵ Up Wing/Down Wing #31

Faster, Please! • 822 implied HN points • 18 Jan 25
🕹 Technology Healthcare
  1. New obesity drugs are being developed that can help people lose a lot of weight quickly. These breakthroughs could make treatments more accessible and affordable for many people.
  2. Companies are working on exciting projects like reviving extinct species and creating new ways to explore the moon. These innovations could greatly impact conservation and space travel.
  3. There are serious challenges ahead, like rising dementia cases and declining birth rates, which could hurt the economy. Without action, these issues could have major effects on future generations.

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 Healthcare
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After Wall Street balks, Cigna calls off Humana merger and instead is set to buy back up to $11.3 billion of its shares in gift to investors

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 419 implied HN points • 11 Dec 23
💼 Business Healthcare
  1. Cigna decided not to merge with Humana after Wall Street reacted negatively to the idea. Instead, they will buy back $11.3 billion worth of their shares to please investors.
  2. Cigna's stock dropped significantly when the merger news broke but soared back up after the buyback announcement. This shows how much Wall Street values quick returns over company growth strategies.
  3. The share buyback won't help improve healthcare access or quality for Cigna's customers. It's mainly a move to boost stock prices and please shareholders.

Please stop overusing Baumol’s cost disease

Something to Consider • 59 implied HN points • 29 Jun 24
💼 Business Healthcare
  1. Baumol's cost disease is often misused to explain high costs; it doesn't make things unaffordable, just shifts what we spend on.
  2. This theory shows that wages can rise in unproductive areas, like music or certain services, because they adjust to wages in other sectors.
  3. If services like healthcare or education are getting more expensive, it might be because they're experiencing lower productivity, not because they're doomed to be unaffordable.

Large study shows high BMI not associated with serious top-surgery complications

Weight and Healthcare • 479 implied HN points • 15 Nov 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Healthcare
  1. A large study indicated that a high BMI is not linked to serious complications in top surgery.
  2. The study suggested reevaluation of BMI cutoffs for patients undergoing chest masculinization surgery.
  3. Surgeons and patients should engage in shared decision-making conversations to discuss potential risks with higher BMI, without holding healthcare hostage for weight loss.

10X @ JPM

ASeq Newsletter • 29 implied HN points • 13 Jan 26
💰 Finance Healthcare
  1. 10X presented at JPM after releasing preliminary full‑year results, and Serge’s clear, confident presentation showed a strong command of the company’s technology and market which made the talk engaging.
  2. They emphasized potential clinical growth; if clinical revenue expands strongly it would be a positive development and could push the business toward a mostly clinical market like Illumina.
  3. Oncology was flagged as an important clinical area of focus.

"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
  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.

First half of 2023: 7 big health insurers pulled in $683 billion in revenues – largely through taxpayer-supported programs and the pharmacy supply chain

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 619 implied HN points • 06 Sep 23
🏥 Health Politics Healthcare
  1. In the first half of 2023, seven major health insurance companies made over $683 billion in revenue, mainly from government programs like Medicare and Medicaid. This shows a lot of reliance on taxpayer-supported programs.
  2. Despite these huge profits, Wall Street is not satisfied with the health insurers. Investors believe the companies are not raising premiums enough to keep up with demand for healthcare after pandemic delays.
  3. To please investors, these insurers may increase premiums for customers and limit coverage for medical care. This trend highlights the struggle between corporate profit motives and patient care.

Alert: The Trump administration is quietly slashing new NIH grant awards, and it's not via the budget

Can We Still Govern? • 254 implied HN points • 28 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Healthcare
  1. The Trump administration's new multi-year funding policy for NIH grants is drastically reducing the number of research grants awarded. This change means many labs might not get funding at all, harming scientific progress.
  2. Previously, about 10% of grant applications were funded, but now that number has dropped to around 4%. This makes it much harder for researchers to secure necessary funding for their projects.
  3. Researchers and the public are encouraged to speak out against this policy. It's important to contact Congress members and local media to raise awareness about the negative impact on medical research and science.

Atrium Health is a unit of ‘local government’ like no other

The Charlotte Ledger • 275 implied HN points • 05 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Healthcare
  1. Atrium Health enjoys the benefits of being a government entity but operates like a private corporation.
  2. The Atrium Health board meetings lack openness, with limited public access and closed committee meetings.
  3. Atrium's status as a government entity allows it to avoid taxes, receive antitrust immunity, and benefit from eminent domain powers.

The New Medical Supernemesis

Justin E. H. Smith's Hinternet • 794 implied HN points • 19 Dec 24
🏥 Health Politics Healthcare
  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.

The Problem with the Edmonton Obesity Staging System – Part 1

Weight and Healthcare • 539 implied HN points • 27 Sep 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Healthcare
  1. The Edmonton Obesity Staging System focuses on categorizing fat people based on weight-related health issues, despite lacking evidence of the benefits of aggressive weight management.
  2. Critics argue that the system pathologizes bodies solely based on size and overlooks other factors like weight stigma, healthcare inequalities, and weight cycling.
  3. The system's stages imply that health issues are directly tied to obesity but fail to address the fact that these issues affect people of all sizes, suggesting a need for a shift in focus toward holistic health support.

Weight Loss Surgery and Kids Part 1

Weight and Healthcare • 519 implied HN points • 29 Jul 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Healthcare
  1. The study questions the effectiveness of nonsurgical weight management programs in children and emphasizes the need for long-term outcome data, especially regarding weight loss surgery.
  2. The conflict of interest with the authors, who have significant ties to weight loss companies and surgery programs, raises concerns about the objectivity of the study's findings.
  3. Lack of control groups, short follow-up periods, and small sample sizes in the research undermine the conclusions supporting weight loss surgery for children.

What To Do When Weight Stigma Makes You Want To Avoid The Doctor

Weight and Healthcare • 519 implied HN points • 07 Jun 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Healthcare
  1. Weight stigma in healthcare can lead to higher-weight individuals avoiding going to the doctor altogether.
  2. It's important to advocate for yourself when facing weight stigma in medical settings and not let it deter you from seeking care.
  3. Bringing along an advocate and practicing how to deal with weight stigma in advance can help improve the healthcare experience.

Big Pharma Saved My Life

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 653 implied HN points • 31 Jan 25
🏥 Health & Wellness Healthcare
  1. The American healthcare system has many problems but still plays a crucial role in saving lives.
  2. Personal experiences highlight the importance of pharmaceutical advancements in treating serious health conditions.
  3. Faith and medical technology together can have a profound impact on survival and recovery from critical illnesses.

Americans can't afford their out-of-pocket costs at the pharmacy counter. Legislators on both sides of the aisle are taking action.

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 479 implied HN points • 23 Oct 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Healthcare
  1. Many Americans are struggling to afford their medication costs at the pharmacy, which is forcing them to leave without the medicines they need.
  2. Big insurance companies have gained too much control over drug prices, causing many patients to pay more at the counter while receiving less help from their insurance.
  3. Bipartisan action is happening in Congress to reform pharmacy benefit managers, with bills aiming to lower out-of-pocket costs for patients and increase price transparency.

The Bear Cave #256

The Bear Cave • 653 implied HN points • 12 Jan 25
💰 Finance Healthcare
  1. There are serious concerns about AppLovin's business practices, including alleged money laundering and low-quality apps. Activist reports suggest their recent growth is questionable.
  2. TransMedics Group is facing backlash for alleged unethical practices in organ transportation. Reports indicate they may have refused life-saving procedures due to billing issues.
  3. A number of executives in various companies have resigned recently, showing instability in leadership roles. This includes multiple CFOs and the CEO of Hershey, which may impact company performance.

Legislators and advocacy groups in Washington still have their sights set on PBM reform

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 179 implied HN points • 14 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Healthcare
  1. Legislators in Washington want to change how pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) operate because many think their practices are hurting patients and pharmacies.
  2. There is support from both political parties to reform PBMs, but lobbyists are trying to stop these changes to protect profit margins.
  3. Pharmacists and businesses need to be aware of PBM practices and take action now, as reforms could save them a lot of money and make medications more affordable.

The Truth About ObesityWeek - Part 2

Weight and Healthcare • 439 implied HN points • 28 Oct 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Healthcare
  1. ObsityWeek focuses on promoting the weight-centric paradigm in healthcare by connecting weight with health and disease, potentially leading to harmful practices.
  2. Corporate influence is prevalent at ObsityWeek through sponsored symposia and key lectures, where pharmaceutical companies push for weight-centric treatments like medications and surgeries.
  3. There is a disconnect at ObsityWeek between celebrating weight loss industry figures and the lack of progress in reducing the population of higher-weight individuals, highlighting the profit-driven nature of the field.

💥Here's Adam!?💥

PETITION • 235 implied HN points • 07 Feb 24
💼 Business Healthcare
  1. The WeWork debtors are in conflict with landlords over unpaid rent, leading to a heated legal battle.
  2. Cano Health Inc. and its affiliates filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in Delaware due to financial struggles and bad acquisitions.
  3. The restructuring support agreement for Cano Health aims to deleverage the company's balance sheet through a sale process and a proposed $150 million DIP financing.

Friday Q&A: COVID, flu & RSV - oh my!

Are You Okay? • 479 implied HN points • 18 Aug 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Healthcare
  1. The latest COVID sub-variant, EG.5, is becoming a dominant strain in the U.S., but it doesn't seem to be more contagious or cause more serious disease than prior variants.
  2. Vaccines still offer good protection against serious disease from EG.5, and the new booster expected at the end of September should provide good coverage against severe outcomes from this variant.
  3. To protect yourself this fall/winter, it's advised to get vaccinated, care for underlying health issues, prioritize sleep, exercise, healthy eating, and have regular check-ups with your doctor.

⤴⤵ Up Wing/Down Wing #24

Faster, Please! • 822 implied HN points • 09 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Healthcare
  1. Immigrants have helped revive industries in areas like Dalton, Georgia. This shows how immigration can boost local economies and create job opportunities.
  2. New gene-editing technologies like CRISPR are making crops and livestock better at surviving climate change. This could help ensure our food supply stays strong despite changing weather.
  3. Robots in nursing homes are improving care quality and staff retention. They take over routine tasks, allowing human workers to focus more on giving personal care.

The ICU is Traumatic For Everyone

The Frontier Psychiatrists • 275 implied HN points • 07 Jan 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Healthcare
  1. A stay in the ICU can be traumatic for patients due to various factors like machines, confusion, and hallucinations.
  2. ICU workers are also at risk of developing PTSD due to exposure to human suffering, with rates increasing, especially after the pandemic.
  3. The prevalence of PTSD among ICU patients and workers is significant, emphasizing the need for research and treatment options to address this trauma.

Is Aging Behind Japan’s Drop in Consumer Spending?

Japan Economy Watch • 339 implied HN points • 01 Dec 23
💰 Finance Healthcare
  1. Aging is not the main reason for Japan's declining consumption, which is partly due to a decrease in the number of people and stagnant or falling income.
  2. Spending per capita dropped 1.3% from 2012 to 2022 despite an increase in GDP, indicating a complex mix of factors contributing to the decline.
  3. Economies of scale play a significant role in the spending habits of seniors, who end up spending about 7% more per person compared to younger households.

Thanks to reporters at ProPublica and Scripps News, we are learning more about how health insurers cheat patients out of life-saving care

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 339 implied HN points • 30 Nov 23
🏥 Health Politics Healthcare
  1. Health insurers often ignore laws meant to help patients get crucial medical care. This can result in patients not receiving life-saving treatments they need.
  2. Many patients don’t complain about insurance denials because they are overwhelmed during difficult times. This makes it hard for regulators to catch insurers doing wrong.
  3. State insurance departments are usually underfunded and struggle to enforce laws, which allows insurers to keep profiting while patients suffer.

How the Nuka System of Care has improved the quality of medical care (and lives) of Alaska Natives

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 399 implied HN points • 31 Oct 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Healthcare
  1. The Nuka System of Care in Alaska has dramatically improved healthcare by focusing on community-based support and engaging Alaska Natives directly in their health journeys. This system results in happier patients and better health outcomes.
  2. Since the Nuka System started, emergency room visits and hospital admissions have dropped significantly. It also emphasizes personal relationships and understanding each patient's unique needs, leading to high satisfaction rates.
  3. The approach integrates modern medical practices with the values of Alaska Native culture. This has made it a model for healthcare systems worldwide, with many organizations studying its success to learn how to improve their own care.

Options to Deal With BMI-Based Healthcare Denials - Part 2

Weight and Healthcare • 639 implied HN points • 18 Feb 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Healthcare
  1. Understanding the reasons behind BMI-based healthcare denials is crucial to decide how to proceed.
  2. Options for dealing with BMI-based healthcare denials include finding different circumstances, fighting the denial, or trying to reach the BMI requirement.
  3. Fighting BMI-based healthcare denials may involve challenging the decision, seeking support, and exploring counterarguments to address the reasons given for denial.