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September 19, 2024 Customer Newsletter

By   ·  1 minute read

Neighborhood

  • Fixing American Health Care

  • Unbeatable Subscription Value

  • The Ozempic Conversation

  • Criticism of UnitedHealthcare

  • Fair Pay Rule for Doctors

divider memphis mindframe_summer_in_memphis_tennessee_in_2024_Fixing American Health Care: Kissing the Frog

A good (and well referenced) look at the underlying causes of health care costs.  Dr. Cantone presents an optimistic set of simple issues that lead to a some of the issues plaguing the health care, and points out the high value of prevention and education over treatment and late stage disease.  Of course, he’s hitting on problems well outside of medicine - advertising, ingredients, primary grades education, and though not mentioned, the need for consequences.  But it does point to a better way.

Fixing American Health Care: Kissing the Frog - Medical Economics

mindframe_Modern_Memphis_Tennessee_in_the_Summertime_is_happy_b8a01fd0-d3c7-45d3-812e-9c5693d48d0a_3

prepare your residents to be the best (2)

divider mindframe_summer_in_memphis_tennessee_in_2024_detailed_color__3391bba1-32b9-4ea5-b3fa-2bf287b8275c_3I Prescribe GLP-1s: What The Ozempic Conversation Is Missing

An interesting article and discussion on the use of GLP-1s in weight loss, covering the benefits, complications, proper use, and side effects. The article also explores some of the newer drugs emerging, including glucagon agonists and hormones for appetite suppression.

I Prescribe GLP-1s: What To Ozempic Conversation Is Missing - MindBodyGreen
 

Memphis_Tennessee_in_the_SummerAmerican College of Gastroenterology Latest to Criticize UHC

The latest in a long line of associations and professional groups expressing skepticism about insurers practicing 'up-to-date and evidence-based medicine.' In this case, it's about the UnitedHealthcare gold card. We side with these groups on the issue: Who is paying for prior authorization (PA) decisions, and what is their primary interest? However, some optimistic doctors support the streamlined process.

American College of Gastroenterology latest to criticize UHC - Beckers

memphisAppellate Court Vacates No Surprises Act Rule That Favors Insurers

Specifically, this issue is based on the Supreme Court’s decision regarding 'Chevron deference.' While more cases are likely to follow, the practice of insurers handling out-of-network providers or picking and choosing which patient treatments they pay for should never have been left to the insurers. Arbitration was supposed to be the solution, but the ruling found that ordering arbitration exceeds the authority of the act. (It also raises significant concerns about regulatory capture.)

One has to question how we reached the point where insurers are deciding who they pay, rather than simply determining whether appropriate care was provided for their customer—the patient. But then again, is the patient really the customer anymore?

Chances are, this issue will end up back in Congress, unless lawmakers find a way to avoid making a decision.

 Appellate Court Vacates No Surprises Act Rule that Favors Insurers - AMA
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