On this in-depth episode of the Medical Matters Podcast, Dr. Peter Brier and Nurse Practitioner Kelly McCormack take a look at the rise of hospital bankruptcies, and the effects of medical debt, especially on patient care.Of concern is how a private equity firm profited from the recent bankruptcy of Steward Healthcare, which is referred to from this article. The effects of this particular bankruptcy has also caught the attention of federal lawmakers.

In this episode of the Medical Matters Podcast, Dr. Peter Brier and Nurse Practitioner Kelly McCormack discuss the GLP-1 class of drugs from the weight-loss perspective.Ozempic has gained popularity recently and has been marketed and promoted heavily for weight-loss use. Its initial purpose is as a weekly injection to manage blood glucose levels and HbA1c in patients with Type 2 Diabetes.The side effects of GLP-1 are discussed, which can include gastrointestinal issues. In addition, the cost of Ozempic, as opposed to what it can be made for is examined.More on that story here.

In this episode of the Medical Matters Podcast, Dr. Peter Brier and Nurse Practitioner Kelly McCormack discuss how policy changes could leave patients holding the bag. Elisabeth Rosenthal of KFF Health News has written widely on healthcare issues, including a recent opinion piece that recently appeared in the Washington Post.Rosenthal is also the author of the book, An American Sickness. She discussed her findings in this NPR interview.

In this episode of Medical Matters Podcast, Dr. Peter Brier and Nurse Practitioner Kelly McCormack discuss the subject of aging, and how the experience in the United States perhaps differs from other nations.Topics include loneliness, a lack of socialization, and how elderly residents are viewed in other nations. These and other subjects have been the focus of recent studies by the Yale School of Public Health--these findings can be found here.

In this episode of Medical Matters Podcast, Dr. Peter Brier and Nurse Practitioner Kelly McCormack discuss a recent article about Electronic Health Records. With recordkeeping increasingly moving online or "in the Cloud," more time is required to update keep patient records current. The doctors talk about the ins and outs of EHRs. A recent article about EHRs can be found here.

In this episode of Medical Matters Podcast, Dr. Peter Brier and Nurse Practitioner Kelly McCormack highlight the month of February, which is American Heart Health Month. You can find out more from the American Heart Assocation here. Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the United States, and the doctors break down the topic with an in-depth discussion. More information is available from the Centers for Disease Control here.

In the Season 3 premiere of the Medical Matters Podcast, Dr. Peter Brier and Nurse Practitioner Kelly McCormack discuss hospital ratings systems. How are hospitals graded, and under what criteria?The discussion follows a recent issue in Pennsylvania when a state Department of Health inspection turned up problems at Lancaster General Hospital, which is operated by Penn Medicine. More about that story can be found here.US News and World Report provides one of the most comprehensive "Best of" lists. Here is the national report for 2023-24.

On this episode of the Medical Matters Podcast, Dr. Peter Brier and Nurse Practitioner Kelly McCormack discuss who benefits and profits the most from the business of healthcare. They take an in-depth look at insurers, drug distributors, and Pharmacy Benefit Managers, also known as PBMs.The relationship between patients and the healthcare system is examined, with a look at the "middle men." This report notes how the US spends far more on healthcare than other industrialized nations. The Doctors also look into potential solutions and alternatives.

In this episode, Dr. Peter Brier and Nurse Practitioner Kelly McCormack discuss working one's way through the US healthcare system.  They discuss the different health systems and plans, Open Enrollment, Medicare, and Advantage, along with copays and finding what plan is right for you, and what you can safely afford.

In this episode of the Medical Matters Podcast, Dr. Peter Brier and Nurse Practitioner Kelly McCormack discuss Medicare Advantage Plans and help navigate the options. Approximately 31 million Americans have such private-sector alternatives to Medicare. A recent NBC News story on the issue can be found here.

In this episode, Dr. Peter Brier and Nurse Practitioner Kelly McCormack examine the issue of medical debt. Recent studies find millions of Americans are struggling with significant debt. KFF Health News' recent award-winning series notes that medical debt has become a defining feature of the US healthcare system. Their report can be read here.In addition, lawmakers in several states are trying to find ways to deal with the problem at their level.

In this episode of Medical Matters Podcast, Dr. Peter Brier and Nurse Practitioner Kelly McCormack return to the topic of Semaglitude, also known as Wegovy. A new study commissioned by Novo Nordisk has determined that Wegovy, prescribed for weight loss, may also be beneficial for the most common form of heart failure.Details of the study can be found here.CNN's report is also available.

Dr. Peter Brier and Nurse Practitioner Kelly McCormack discuss the recent use of Artificial Intelligence in health care.  One promising find is that of Yale researcher Dr. Rohan Khera, who has discovered a way to use AI to detect a hidden heart problem. His findings are available in the July 25th, 2023 issue of the journal, Circulation, and in a recent issue of the Hartford Courant.https://www.courant.com/2023/08/13/how-using-ai-yale-research-finds-serious-heart-problem-before-symptoms-occur/https://www.ahajournals.org/toc/circ/148/4

In this episode, Dr. Peter Brier and Nurse Practitioner Kelly McCormack discuss the PACT Act, and the new benefits for veterans exposed to "burn pits" in Afghanistan. https://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/veterans-historic-expansion-benefits-toxic-exposure-new-law-102053437Those who wish to make a claim may do so here:https://www.va.gov/resources/the-pact-act-and-your-va-benefits/#:~:text=The%20PACT%20Act%20is%20a,by%20exposure%20to%20these%20substances.

Dr. Peter Brier and Nurse Practitioner Kelly McCormack discuss the topic of non-compete clauses, and how they pertain to the medical industry. The Federal Trade Commission is proposing a ban on non-competes; what this could mean is examined in the link below.https://www.medpagetoday.com/special-reports/exclusives/102618In Part 2, the Doctors discussed the recent tornado in North Carolina, and the concerns about a sterile injectable drug shortage, due to the damage to a Pfizer storage facility in Rocky Mount. https://abc11.com/pfizer-north-carolina-tornado-damage-nc-rocky-mount-ceo-albert-bourla/13529565/https://www.medpagetoday.com/special-reports/exclusives/102618

Dr. Peter Brier and Nurse Practitioner Kelly McCormack discuss two new medications recently approved by the Food & Drug Administration. Opill is the first over-the-counter birth control pill that will become available in the US in 2024. Made by Perrigo, Opill is a progestin-only oral contraceptive; the concerns of the FDA, and potential side effects are examined. Leqembi (Lecanemab) is a new drug produced by the Japanese pharmaceutical firm Eisei. The monoclonal antibody medication is designed for early-stage Alzheimer's patients; the discussion focuses on Leqembi's potential, but also the question of what occurs as the disease progresses over time. https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-approves-first-nonprescription-daily-oral-contraceptivehttps://www.reuters.com/markets/europe/new-alzheimers-drug-holds-promise-adds-cost-pressures-medicare-2023-07-13/

Dr. Peter Brier and Nurse Practitioner Kelly McCormack discuss the increased use of Ozempic as a weight-loss method. Semaglutide is used for the treatment of Type 2 Diabetes, and is sold under the names Ozempic, Rybelsus and Wegovy. The Washington Post has published a series of pieces on the use of Ozempic for weight loss, its popularity and how insurers are resisting--the June 12th, 2023 article can be found here. The FDA has also warned consumers against the use of so-called "off-brand" versions of these drugs.

Dr. Peter Brier and Nurse Practitioner Kelly McCormack discuss the vitamins and supplements industry.  The dietary supplements market size is currently estimated at $ 167.5 billion, according to a recent report, and does not show any stoppage of growth, according to Reportlinker.com.In Part 2 of the program, the doctors take up the recent World Health Organization report that advises against the use of non-sugar sweeteners (NSS) as a means of weight control.  The full report can be found here.

The Doctors continue their discussion on the merger of Geisinger and Kaiser Permanente Health Systems. The "upgrade" to a national health system is considered, as the latter seeks to expand value-based care. What does this mean for patients of both systems, and how will their access and services change.

Dr. Peter Brier and Nurse Practitioner Kelly McCormack discuss the recent merger of Kaiser Permanente and Geisinger. The long history of the two firms is examined, and what the merger means for patients.