In this episode, Dr. Peter Brier and Nurse Practitioner Kelly McCormack discuss how patient, hospital, and healthcare data can be at risk from cyberattacks.

The recent Change Healthcare data breach is examined. UnitedHealth Group's (UHG) subsidiary was victimized by a ransomware attack that impacted more than 100 million individuals. The doctors discuss this HIPAA report and consider what patients might do to protect themselves.

The subject is also considered here.

In this episode of Medical Matters Podcast, Dr. Peter Brier and Nurse Practitioner Kelly McCormack remind listeners it is time to think about getting your flu shot and updating with the new COVID vaccine.

The main focus of the podcast is the annual Commonwealth Fund report for 2024, which compared the US healthcare system to nine other highly developed nations to determine not only where we stand, but in an effort to find areas of improvement.

The report is divided into nine sections that include overall performance, access to care, health outcomes and especially, what the US can do to improve. The full report can be read here.

In this episode, Dr. Peter Brier and Nurse Practitioner Kelly McCormack discuss issues with the healthcare system. They discuss ER and tertiary care, and those who could get lost in the system.

The potential for falling through the cracks along with professional decision-making is considered. In addition, first-hand experiences are examined, including the medical system and reimbursement process, plus quality-of-life issues.

Dr. Peter Brier and Nurse Practitioner Kelly McCormack discuss rising healthcare costs in this episode. Commercial healthcare costs are expected to increase by eight percent in 2025, driven by several market and related forces. This is foretold by the increase in healthcare spending in the US this year, according to a recent report from the American Medical Association.

The doctors discuss differences in Medicare, including varied plans and factors that weigh on patient care, time spent, and billing methods. They also consider possible solutions.

A further examination of the matter appeared in Forbes Magazine, which has been fact-checked.

In this episode, Dr. Peter Brier and Nurse Practitioner Kelly McCormack discuss the important issue of burnout in the medical profession. The industry has one of the highest percentages of burnout, which is basically defined here.

While our hosts provide their own insights and experiences, the question of what can be done is being examined. The US Oncology Network is looking to get to the root of stress in the profession.

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.