The hottest Patient rights Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Health & Wellness Topics

WPATH, part I: "The dignity of risk and the right to regret"

gender:hacked by Eliza Mondegreen • 1884 implied HN points • 28 Oct 24
🏥 Health Politics Medical Ethics Patient rights Gender Issues Public Health Policy Debate
  1. Teenagers have the right to make decisions, even if they might regret them later. This is part of growing up and learning about themselves.
  2. Medical decisions, especially about serious treatments like hormone therapy, require careful consideration. They aren't just like normal teenage risks of dating or making silly choices.
  3. Clinicians must take responsibility for their actions and the potential harm they can cause. It's important to really think about the safety and effectiveness of medical interventions for young people.

Voices in Print

Force of Infection • 28 implied HN points • 06 Mar 25
🏥 Health Politics Healthcare Patient rights Medical Research Public Health Healthcare policy
  1. Patients can offer valuable ideas to improve healthcare based on their personal experiences. It's important for these voices to be heard in medical discussions.
  2. The Voices in Print project connects patients with professional writers to share their suggestions in a clear way. This helps bring patient insights into medical literature.
  3. They are looking for new patient partners who have specific ideas on improving care, and participation in the project is free.

Privacy Paranoia and the NHS app

Rory’s Always On Newsletter • 1150 implied HN points • 21 Oct 24
🏥 Health Politics Data Privacy Patient rights Digital Health Government Policy
  1. Data protection concerns are slowing down important updates in the NHS. It's essential to modernize the system to serve patients better.
  2. Public fear over data sharing often outweighs the potential benefits for healthcare, like early cancer detection.
  3. Other countries, like Sweden, show that we can provide better digital health tools without excessive fear of data issues. It's time to move forward and improve our health services.

Movers and Shakers: Assisted Dying

Rory’s Always On Newsletter • 376 implied HN points • 19 Oct 24
🏥 Health Politics Legal issues Ethics Patient rights
  1. There's a big debate about whether terminally ill people should get legal help to end their lives. Some believe the laws should change to support this decision, while others think it's best to keep the state out of it.
  2. Many people, especially in the Parkinson's community, might not qualify for assisted dying under current proposals. They may not get a 'terminal' diagnosis in time, even if their suffering is severe.
  3. Countries like Spain have different rules about assisted dying, allowing people with chronic conditions to seek help. This brings up questions about who decides what's considered unbearable suffering.

Coleman Hughes: My Mom—and the Case for Assisted Death

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 3246 implied HN points • 16 Dec 24
🏥 Health Politics Medical Ethics Public Policy Health care Patient rights
  1. The author believes people should have the choice to end their suffering through assisted death. Personal experiences can shape our views on complex topics like this.
  2. Assisted dying laws have been discussed globally, with countries like the Netherlands, Canada, and the UK considering legislation. It's important to explore these issues from different perspectives.
  3. The story of the author's mother shows that even the healthiest people can face serious illnesses like cancer. This highlights the unpredictability of life and health.
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Fighting for the voiceless: The Death of Franca Panettone

COVID Reason • 594 implied HN points • 04 Oct 24
🏥 Health Politics Patient rights Healthcare access Public Health Medical Ethics
  1. Franca Panettone, who had Down Syndrome, faced a tragic situation in a hospital where she was separated from her family and had no way to advocate for herself. This led to her feeling helpless and restrained during her care.
  2. Franca's family experienced a lack of communication from the hospital about her condition and treatment. They were not informed about her critical health changes or allowed to visit her, which added to their grief and confusion.
  3. This story highlights the need for better advocacy and communication in healthcare, especially for vulnerable individuals. It raises important questions about patient rights and how to prevent similar tragedies in the future.

Therapy Patients Stop Treatment After ‘Pre-Payment Reviews’ Swell

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 319 implied HN points • 18 Sep 24
🏥 Health Politics Healthcare access Insurance Issues Mental health Policy Impact Patient rights
  1. Many therapy patients are stopping their treatment because insurance company UnitedHealthcare is asking for a lot of extra paperwork before paying for services. This makes it hard for patients to get reimbursed and leads to anxiety about continuing their care.
  2. Therapists are feeling overwhelmed by the amount of time and effort needed to process these pre-payment reviews. Some have had to cut back on their schedules to handle the paperwork, which affects both their work and their patients' treatment.
  3. The situation highlights larger issues in mental health care access and billing, particularly for out-of-network providers. It raises concerns about patient privacy and adds unnecessary stress for both patients and therapists.

New Netflix Horror Flick “The Deliverance” Tackles Medicaid Troubles, Medical Debt

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 599 implied HN points • 05 Sep 24
🏥 Health Politics Medicaid Medical Debt Health care Insurance Patient rights
  1. The movie 'The Deliverance' highlights the struggles of a family facing both a demonic presence and real-life issues with the U.S. healthcare system. It shows how complicated and scary healthcare can feel for many families.
  2. Many healthcare providers are dropping Medicaid patients, making it harder for those in need to find care. The film illustrates the true horror of loved ones having to pay medical bills out-of-pocket when Medicaid support is unavailable.
  3. Medical debt is a serious problem in the U.S., affecting countless families. The film ends with the family battling real financial burdens, reminding viewers that there's no easy fix for medical bills.

The New Death Panels: Health Care Rationing Via Delays And Denials

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 759 implied HN points • 13 Aug 24
🏥 Health Politics Healthcare access Insurance Issues Patient rights Public Health Policy advocacy
  1. Health insurance companies are creating delays and denials that harm patients' ability to receive care. Many people are missing out on necessary treatments because of these issues.
  2. A large number of doctors feel burnt out because of the complicated process of prior authorizations. This adds stress to their jobs and impacts their patients' health.
  3. To improve the situation, legislation and possibly legal action might be necessary. It's important to push for changes in how insurance companies operate to help both patients and doctors.

While Cigna Saddles Patients with Increasing Out-of-Pocket Requirements, the Company Bought Back $5 Billion of Its Own Stock

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 959 implied HN points • 01 Aug 24
🏥 Health Politics Healthcare system Insurance policies Patient rights Prescription drugs
  1. Cigna spent $5 billion buying back its own stock while customers face rising healthcare costs. This shows a focus on profits over patient care.
  2. Cigna has lost nearly 500,000 health plan members after raising premiums, indicating they prioritize shareholder gains over customer retention.
  3. President Biden wants to limit out-of-pocket drug costs to $2,000 a year, which could help many Americans afford medications better. Insurers like Cigna may resist these changes but it could reduce unfair financial burdens on patients.

South Park Tackles Prior Authorization. It Would be Funny if It Wasn't so Damn Deadly.

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 699 implied HN points • 23 Jul 24
🏥 Health Politics Health care Insurance Patient rights Policy Reform
  1. South Park humorously shows how hard it is to get health insurance to pay for needed treatments. This reflects the frustrating challenges many people face with their own health insurance.
  2. Prior authorization is a process where insurance companies require approval before covering treatments or medications. This can delay care and even lead people to give up on getting the help they need.
  3. Many doctors and healthcare workers are overwhelmed by the amount of time spent dealing with insurance approvals. This adds costs to the healthcare system and can negatively impact patient outcomes.

As UnitedHealth and Cigna are Sued for AI-Based Claims Denials, Documents Suggest Major AI Expansion

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 739 implied HN points • 11 Jul 24
🏥 Health Politics Healthcare policy Artificial Intelligence Legal issues Insurance Practices Patient rights
  1. UnitedHealth and Cigna are facing lawsuits for denying medical claims using a flawed AI system, which many believe does not work correctly. This has led to patients not receiving the care they need or having to pay high costs for care.
  2. Despite the lawsuits and public criticism, these companies plan to expand their use of AI in health care decision-making. They are investing more in technology, aiming for efficiency even at the risk of more denied claims.
  3. Experts warn that using AI in health care can leave patients feeling helpless and confused when their claims are denied. They believe that patients under AI-driven systems may struggle to advocate for their own health needs effectively.

Confronting the Dangers of Artificial Intelligence in Health Care is Imperative

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 359 implied HN points • 17 Jul 24
🏥 Health Politics AI risks Regulation Patient rights Health Equity Privacy
  1. AI in health care needs more rules to keep patients safe. Governments must step up to protect people from potential problems with these technologies.
  2. It's important to make AI decisions clear and understandable for patients. Patients should have the right to ask for a human to review any decision that affects their care.
  3. We need to ensure AI doesn't make health care inequality worse. AI programs should reflect diverse patient groups and focus on fairness, not just existing biases.

Marshall Allen, Fearless Advocate for Health Care Reform and Journalist, dies at 52

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 599 implied HN points • 21 May 24
🏥 Health Politics Health Reform Journalism Advocacy Patient rights Obituaries
  1. Marshall Allen was a passionate journalist and advocate for health care reform. He worked hard to help people navigate the unfair aspects of the health care system.
  2. He wrote a book called 'Never Pay the First Bill' to share tips on fighting against unexpected medical bills. His goal was to empower patients to stand up for their rights.
  3. Marshall was known for his compassion and integrity. Many friends and colleagues are committed to continuing his work and honoring his legacy.

Hospitals across the country are dumping Medicare Advantage plans and canceling their contracts with insurers

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 1238 implied HN points • 07 Dec 23
🏥 Health Politics Medicare Insurance Healthcare access Patient rights Policy Reform
  1. Many hospitals are canceling their contracts with Medicare Advantage plans due to lower payments and extra work to get approvals. This creates difficulties for both hospitals and patients.
  2. Patients on Medicare Advantage plans may face delays in receiving care and might get stuck with high medical bills. This is because these plans often deny or delay necessary services.
  3. There's a growing concern about whether Medicare Advantage plans are good for seniors. People are questioning if these plans truly provide the best care or if they profit from denying treatments.

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.

Why US Health Insurance Companies are Hated

Erik Examines • 89 implied HN points • 11 Dec 24
🏥 Health Politics Health care Insurance Capitalism Public Policy Patient rights
  1. People in the U.S. often face a tough experience with health insurance companies, which frequently deny care instead of helping patients. This differs a lot from the experiences in countries with socialized healthcare systems like Norway.
  2. For-profit health insurance companies prioritize their profits over patient care. This leads to a system where they often refuse necessary treatments, pushing patients into stressful battles just to receive care that should be available to them.
  3. Health insurance companies in the U.S. have little incentive to promote preventative care because they risk losing patients. In contrast, public health systems are designed to encourage preventive care, as healthier citizens reduce overall costs.

BETWEEN YOU AND YOUR DOCTOR: How Medicare Advantage care denials affect patients

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 499 implied HN points • 04 Mar 24
🏥 Health Politics Healthcare policy Medicare Insurance Patient rights
  1. Medicare Advantage plans are often denying care for patients, which can lead to serious health issues. Insurers like UnitedHealth prioritize profits over patient care, creating barriers for those who need treatment.
  2. The process of 'prior authorization' used by these insurers causes significant delays in receiving necessary medical care. This system can sometimes result in life-threatening situations for patients who are waiting for approval.
  3. Organizations like People’s Action are working to help patients navigate the complicated insurance system and advocate for fair treatment. They aim to expose the challenges faced by patients and push for changes to the healthcare system.

Your Money or Your Life

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 599 implied HN points • 31 Jan 24
🏥 Health Politics Healthcare system Insurance Issues Patient rights Medical Ethics
  1. Patients with insurance are sometimes asked to pay the full cost of treatment upfront, which can be very high, making healthcare access difficult.
  2. Many healthcare providers may refuse treatment to insured patients if they can't pay large amounts in cash before receiving care, creating ethical concerns.
  3. Patients can protect themselves by understanding their insurance, confirming costs beforehand, and knowing their options if they face payment demands at appointments.

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.

Hospitals' latest "innovation": "patient-centric payment capabilities"

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 399 implied HN points • 07 Jul 23
🏥 Health Politics Healthcare system Patient rights Insurance Issues
  1. Hospitals are focusing more on getting paid upfront from patients, even before care is provided. This shift is partly due to more people facing high medical costs because of their insurance plans.
  2. Many hospitals are using technology to remind patients of their bills and to ask for payments in advance. This creates a situation where financial discussions happen at the same time as medical care.
  3. The emphasis on collecting money may lead to less compassion in healthcare. Patients often feel pressured about their bills instead of receiving the support they need during tough times.

Elevance Health is denying care for Medicaid patients at high rates, according to Department of Health and Human Services report

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 359 implied HN points • 01 Aug 23
🏥 Health Politics Healthcare access Insurance policies Patient rights Government oversight
  1. Elevance Health is denying a lot of care for Medicaid patients, with one in three requests being turned down. This high denial rate has raised concerns about access to necessary medical treatments.
  2. A big reason Elevance is profitable is that it receives a steady amount of money for each Medicaid beneficiary, which can lead to denying care to keep costs low. This model focuses on profits rather than patient needs.
  3. Federal investigators are calling for more oversight of how these private insurers operate. They found that many states are not closely monitoring the care denials, which could hurt vulnerable patients who rely on Medicaid.

The choice between traditional Medicare and Medicare Advantage? It’s easier than you think. (PART 2)

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 419 implied HN points • 07 Mar 23
🏥 Health Politics Medicare Health Insurance Healthcare Costs Policy Analysis Patient rights
  1. Traditional Medicare can be expensive upfront due to high out-of-pocket costs, especially if you need supplemental coverage. Many people choose Medicare Advantage for its lower immediate costs and out-of-pocket limits.
  2. Companies often push retirees into Medicare Advantage plans because they save money and get better benefits for these groups. However, retirees might lose important access to doctors and hospitals by switching.
  3. Medicare Advantage plans may advertise extra benefits, but these can come with hidden costs. People often struggle to access the care they need due to strict rules and limited provider networks.

On the deep crisis in American medicine - and the broad societal anger and cynicism it is driving

Unreported Truths • 61 implied HN points • 22 Nov 24
🏥 Health Politics Healthcare system Public Health Patient rights Healthcare policy
  1. Healthcare costs in America are extremely high, and many people struggle to pay bills despite spending so much on health services.
  2. The quality of American healthcare outcomes is lagging behind other countries, with lower life expectancy and other health issues.
  3. Many people feel distrustful and frustrated with the healthcare system, believing it often prioritizes profit over patient care.

Hospital megasystems join insurers in a pattern of mergers and acquisitions, patients pay the price.

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 239 implied HN points • 27 Sep 22
🏥 Health Politics Healthcare system Medical Debt Health Insurance Patient rights Policy Reform
  1. Many hospital systems are merging with insurers, making healthcare more expensive for patients. This means folks often end up paying out-of-pocket costs that can be shockingly high.
  2. Patients with insurance are still struggling financially due to high deductibles. Even insured people can find themselves unable to afford medical bills, leading some to sell their homes or declare bankruptcy.
  3. There is a growing concern that hospital mergers are not improving care or lowering costs. Policymakers are being urged to look at how these changes are affecting patients and the overall healthcare system.

Assisted Suicide

Disaffected Newsletter • 179 implied HN points • 16 Dec 22
🏥 Health Politics Medical Ethics Public Policy End of Life Care Patient rights
  1. Assisted suicide is a complex and emotional topic that many people face, especially those with terminal illnesses. It raises important questions about how we support those in suffering.
  2. In some places, like Canada, the approach to physician-assisted suicide is becoming more common and complicated. This shift impacts many lives and decisions.
  3. Personal experiences with assisted suicide can be profound and challenging. Sharing these stories helps us understand the real-life implications of this practice.

Rep. Katie Porter's Patients Before Profit Act is exciting.

HEALTH CARE un-covered • 139 implied HN points • 03 Mar 22
🏥 Health Politics Insurance Reform Public Health Legislation Patient rights Healthcare access
  1. The Patients Before Profits Act aims to protect patients by preventing insurance companies from cutting coverage during public health emergencies.
  2. This bill stops insurers from lowering payments to doctors and healthcare workers during crises like pandemics.
  3. It highlights how some insurance companies made huge profits while cutting reimbursements, hurting both doctors and patients.

VSRF LIVE TONIGHT: Episode 158 - The Asian Vax Battle

Steve Kirsch's newsletter • 1 implied HN point • 02 Jan 25
🏥 Health Politics Medical freedom Vaccines Activism Public Health Patient rights
  1. Tonight's live show will talk about medical freedom issues in Asia, focusing on activism in Singapore. It's important to stay informed about how people fight for their rights in different places.
  2. Guests will share personal stories about struggles they faced after COVID-19 vaccinations. Hearing these experiences helps us understand the real impact of medical decisions on individuals.
  3. Supporting organizations that advocate for health freedoms is crucial. Donations help keep these discussions going and promote awareness about medical rights.