The hottest Healthcare Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Health Politics Topics

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 Legislation Healthcare Bipartisanship Pharmaceuticals Advocacy
  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.

UX Roundup: Poor AI Performance Conversing with Patients | AI Character Mashups | 2025 AI Trends | Accelerating Science

Jakob Nielsen on UX • 15 implied HN points • 13 Jan 25
🕹 Technology AI Healthcare UX Design Trends Research
  1. AI does not perform well in conversations with patients. It struggles to ask important follow-up questions, leading to missed information.
  2. Some famous characters are now public domain, allowing for creative mashups and new stories using AI. This could change how content is produced.
  3. In 2025, we can expect powerful AI trends, including smarter AI agents that can think and plan, and a mix of very large and very small AI models for different uses.

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 Legislation Advocacy Healthcare Pharmaceuticals Reform
  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 Obesity Weight Loss Healthcare Research Mental health
  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.
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💥Here's Adam!?💥

PETITION • 235 implied HN points • 07 Feb 24
💼 Business Bankruptcy Healthcare Finance Legal Restructuring
  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 Vaccines Healthcare Well-being Prevention
  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.

The ICU is Traumatic For Everyone

The Frontier Psychiatrists • 275 implied HN points • 07 Jan 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Healthcare Trauma
  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 Consumer spending Aging Income Savings 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 Insurance Healthcare Patient rights Regulations Legislation
  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 Public Health Chronic Conditions Patient Care Health Policy
  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 BMI Weight Stigma Fat Activism
  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.

When brain drain kills

Klement on Investing • 3 implied HN points • 04 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy Education Healthcare Economy Immigration
  1. Brain drain happens when skilled workers, like doctors, leave their home country for better opportunities elsewhere. This can seriously affect the healthcare system in the country they leave.
  2. In Sweden, a study showed that as doctors migrated to Norway for higher wages, the number of doctors in Sweden dropped. This led to an increase in mortality rates, especially among older people who needed immediate medical care.
  3. The impact of losing skilled professionals isn’t just a problem for developing countries; even wealthy nations can suffer. The decrease in healthcare providers can lead to real deaths, revealing the serious consequences of brain drain.

Oh no! It's the City Council Derp Squad!

Worcester Sucks and I Love It • 216 implied HN points • 04 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Local news Healthcare Government Economy
  1. City Council Derp Squad involves neo-Nazi group sending racist mailers and making prank calls, posing as activists.
  2. Worcester is facing a housing crisis with rent rising significantly, putting pressure on renters.
  3. Canal District in Worcester is experiencing closures of restaurants, indicating a larger trend of urban decay post-Polar Park.

Data and Dobbs

Technically Optimistic • 79 implied HN points • 20 May 24
🏥 Health Politics Reproductive Rights Data Privacy Legislation Women's Health Healthcare
  1. Protecting women's health data is crucial, especially in today's politically charged environment.
  2. Legislation like the Reproductive Data Privacy and Protection Act aims to safeguard sensitive reproductive health information from exploitation.
  3. There is a need for comprehensive data privacy legislation to prevent the potential weaponization of all personal data, not just reproductive health data.

Policymakers in several African countries are on the wrong side of the medical professionals "brain drain" debate

An Africanist Perspective • 415 implied HN points • 21 Apr 23
🌍 World Politics Medical Professionals Training Policy Healthcare
  1. The shortage of medical professionals in several African countries is a real concern, with low physician-to-patient ratios impacting healthcare accessibility.
  2. Banning the emigration of medical professionals may not address the root causes of the shortage. Instead, investing in expanding training, wages, and incentives locally could be a more effective solution.
  3. Emigration of high-skilled professionals, like doctors, can be viewed as exporting high-skilled services and can potentially benefit both the sending and receiving countries through remittances and skill development.

Help Bring Colin Home

Karlstack • 130 implied HN points • 05 Dec 24
🏥 Health Politics Healthcare Legislation Public Health Fundraising
  1. Colin is a 34-year-old man suffering from early onset Huntington's Disease, and he wants to return home to be with his family. His family believes that being at home will give him more comfort and dignity as he faces his illness.
  2. A fundraising campaign called 'Let's Bring Colin Home' is organized to cover legal costs and home care support. They want to help Colin transition from a care facility to his family's home, which requires financial assistance.
  3. The fundraiser highlights the importance of community support, as just a few donations can make a big difference. Even small contributions can help Colin receive the care he needs and improve his quality of life.

The New York Times goes full right-wing transphobic bigot in agreeing that the permanent sterilization of kids who can't give informed consent is, like, totally messed up

Beck of the Pack • 196 implied HN points • 05 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media Gender Healthcare Rights LGBTQ+
  1. The New York Times is criticized for supporting irreversible surgeries on kids without informed consent.
  2. Financial motives are highlighted as a driving force behind radical medical treatments for children.
  3. Criticism is directed at individuals promoting irreversible procedures on kids without considering long-term consequences.

Unraveling Alzheimer's Inequalities: From New Drugs to Healthcare Disparities

American Inequality • 393 implied HN points • 07 Aug 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Alzheimer's Healthcare Inequality Data Analysis Caregiving
  1. Alzheimer's is a major problem in the US, affecting millions and expected to double in the next 25 years.
  2. Inequality plays a significant role in Alzheimer's, with different communities and demographics being impacted differently.
  3. More focus is needed on training caregivers, analyzing data on minority communities, and educating about new drugs to address Alzheimer's inequalities.

BMI Limits - Healthcare Held Hostage For A Weight Loss Ransom - Part 1

Weight and Healthcare • 559 implied HN points • 15 Feb 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Healthcare Weight Stigma Medical Procedures Mental health
  1. BMI limits in healthcare deny procedures to individuals based on their weight, attributing higher risks to higher weight individuals.
  2. These BMI limits perpetuate weight stigma by focusing on weight-based denials instead of improving care for higher-weight individuals.
  3. Patients can face denials of needed surgeries until they reach a certain weight, leading to dangerous delays and potentially fatal consequences.

Providing X-Rays, MRIs and CT Scans to Higher-Weight Patients

Weight and Healthcare • 479 implied HN points • 18 Mar 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Healthcare Patient Experience Accessibility Inclusivity Empathy
  1. Know the weight and size capacities of your equipment and facilities to provide better care to higher-weight patients.
  2. Understand the diverse needs of all patients and create protocols to ensure a positive experience for everyone, including those with disabilities and neurodivergence.
  3. Communicate openly and proactively with patients about accommodations, accessibility, and equipment capabilities to enhance their experience and educate them about available options.

Senators Warren, Grassley and others taking bi-partisan action to address business practices of non-profit hospitals

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 439 implied HN points • 15 Aug 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation Healthcare Bipartisanship Government oversight Community health
  1. Nonprofit hospitals are supposed to help their communities, but many are not meeting their legal obligations for charity care and community spending. They're holding onto large amounts of cash instead.
  2. A group of senators is raising concerns about how some nonprofit hospitals are abusing their tax-exempt status. They want clearer rules and stronger oversight to ensure hospitals give back to the community.
  3. Some hospitals focus too much on profits and expensive projects instead of helping poor patients. This is causing problems for those who really need care but aren't getting the support they should.

Help the US Preventative Services Task Force Avoid Harming People and Wasting Money

Weight and Healthcare • 359 implied HN points • 24 May 23
🏥 Health Politics Healthcare Policy Research Interventions
  1. The US Preventative Services Task Force's draft research plan on weight loss interventions lacks consideration for the long-term effectiveness of weight loss attempts.
  2. Small amounts of weight loss do not necessarily cause improved health outcomes - factors like behavior changes and access to healthcare may play a bigger role.
  3. Focusing on health-supporting behaviors rather than weight loss interventions could lead to more meaningful and less harmful outcomes for higher-weight individuals.

Elevance and other for-profit insurers find new scrutiny from lawmakers over their denials of care for Medicaid patients

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 419 implied HN points • 17 Aug 23
🏥 Health Politics Healthcare Policy Insurance Medicaid Legislation
  1. Elevance and other for-profit insurers are denying many care requests for Medicaid patients. In fact, Elevance has a denial rate over 34%, which is really high.
  2. Lawmakers are starting to investigate these denial practices more closely. Congress is looking into how insurers use 'prior authorization' to say no to needed treatments.
  3. In Ohio, Elevance is having contract disputes with hospitals, impacting Medicaid patients' access to care. This means patients might struggle to find alternative hospitals that will cover their treatments.

$335 million take-home: here are the 7 health insurance CEOs who made it big in 2022

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 559 implied HN points • 01 Jun 23
🏥 Health Politics Healthcare Insurance Medical Debt Government programs
  1. Seven health insurance CEOs made a whopping $335 million in 2022, which is 18% more than the previous record. Most of their earnings came from big stock buybacks by their companies.
  2. Molina's CEO earned more than half of the total amount, making $181 million, while the smallest companies made most of their money from taxpayer-funded programs like Medicaid.
  3. The increase in CEO pay is concerning, especially since it has happened while many Americans struggle with high medical costs and debts, indicating a focus on profits over patient care.

Weight Loss Surgery and Kids - Part 4

Weight and Healthcare • 339 implied HN points • 09 Sep 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Obesity Surgery Pediatrics Healthcare Research
  1. Conflicts of interest exist among authors and funders, and data sources used lack adequate subjects and follow-up time to support recommendations.
  2. Surgery recommendations based on correlation between weight and health issues, rather than exploring confounding variables or comparing surgical interventions to health-supporting behaviors.
  3. Long-term safety and efficacy of bariatric surgery for children and adolescents is not fully supported by the limited data available, raising concerns about the validity of the recommendations.

Exclusive: Healthcare CEO refuses to resign or provide proof of doctorate following Karlstack investigation

Karlstack • 510 implied HN points • 13 Mar 24
📰 News Investigative Journalism Healthcare Education Ethics Leadership
  1. Questions regarding honesty and qualifications of top executives can severely impact an organization's reputation.
  2. Verification of educational credentials is crucial, especially in sensitive sectors like healthcare.
  3. Investigative journalism plays a vital role in uncovering potential misconduct and ensuring transparency in professional environments.

05/01/30 - FAQ Answered!

Moly’s Substack • 334 implied HN points • 02 May 23
🌍 World Politics China Communism Healthcare Technology
  1. China's urban areas vary from fancy to drab, without much in between due to rapid development and lack of government oversight.
  2. Chinese humor leans towards sarcasm and can be hard to translate, often involving puns and cultural references.
  3. Chinese beauty standards emphasize extreme slimness, reflecting societal norms but also influenced by body types.

UnitedHealth Group's Q2 2023 earnings report shows billion dollar gains in pharmacy benefit business, tax-funded programs

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 459 implied HN points • 17 Jul 23
💰 Finance Healthcare Investments Earnings Reports Insurance Market Trends
  1. UnitedHealth Group reported a big increase in revenue and profits, mainly from its pharmacy benefit business and taxpayer-funded programs. They made over $12 billion more than last year.
  2. The company saw significant growth in its Medicare and Medicaid programs, with enrollment in these government programs increasing faster than in traditional commercial plans.
  3. UnitedHealth's Optum division, which provides healthcare services, is growing rapidly, allowing the company to manage costs better and avoid paying out more in claims.

Episode 120: No Bridge Too Far

Disaffected Newsletter • 579 implied HN points • 14 May 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy Debate Political Commentary Legislation Social Issues Healthcare
  1. A Texas Democrat courageously switched sides to support a ban on certain medical treatments for children, showing strong conviction on this issue.
  2. In 2023, it seems tough to maintain a morally respectable stance as a progressive liberal Democrat, suggesting a significant shift in political dynamics.
  3. An Australian malpractice insurer is refusing to cover doctors who provide gender transition treatments for minors, highlighting ongoing concerns about such practices.

Ghosts of Diet Culture Past

Weight and Healthcare • 579 implied HN points • 24 Dec 22
🏥 Health & Wellness Dieting Healthcare Obesity Insurance Coverage
  1. Weight is not the direct cause of health issues, and mistaking correlation for causation can lead to harmful cycles in healthcare.
  2. Historically, fat people faced barriers like lack of insurance coverage and delayed care, impacting their health outcomes.
  3. Diet culture's focus on weight loss has often led to harmful practices without long-term benefits, perpetuated by the diet industry and healthcare providers.