Shows
Test contentTransportation’s Lane in Health Care Lack of transportation is one of the biggest barriers to patient care. But when employers cover transportation for patients, it can lead to better health outcomes and lower overall costs. Casey Billington of Concierge Nurse Navigators explains why employers need to incorporate transportation into their health plan benefits so that patients can travel to doctor appointments or get an important second opinion. And co-hosts Terry and Bob talk about the latest news from Washington, D.C., including the VA’s decision to cover a new Alzheimer’s treatment for veterans. Plus, a new bill in Congr...
2023-03-2015 minTest contentThe Broken Vision Insurance MarketVertical integration in the vision insurance market has led to higher costs and fewer options for patients. Two optometrists, Dr. Ron Benner and Dr. Bill Reynolds, explain how this impacts the price of your glasses, and how the DOC Access Act could fix this problem. And Terry and Bob break down a new poll that shows consumers support FDA regulation of repairs to medical devices. Links WATCH: Stop Vision Benefit Manager Abuses READ: Legislative Solutions to Overpriced Eyeglasses Need help? The successful patient is one who can ge...
2023-03-1319 minTest contentStates Target PBMsThe Patients Rising Podcast has moved to Monday mornings! In this episode, hear how Florida is poised to take on PBMs, the pharmaceutical middlemen, and how potential reforms would help patients access affordable medications. Jared Willis gives his updates from the Sunshine State. And a shortage of kidneys available for transplants has patient advocates sounding the alarm. Co-hosts Terry Wilcox and Bob Goldberg talk about the crisis facing patients with end-stage renal disease. Plus, a story of rare disease advocacy in the MLB. Need help? The successful patient is one who can...
2023-03-0614 minTest contentHealthcare Protections for Rare Diseases with Rep. Cathy McMorris RodgersAhead of Rare Disease Day, Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05) joins the podcast to discuss new legislation that would ban the use of a discriminatory health care metric, quality adjusted life year, or QALY. Learn how the QALY hurts treatment access for patients with rare diseases and disabilities, and how a government ban on QALYs would create more equitable access to care. Plus, hear from Jean Baker, who shares her challenges getting coverage for her husband’s rare form of cancer, anaplastic thyroid cancer. And our patient correspondents from the rare disease community talk about the...
2023-02-2437 minTest contentDiversifying Clinical TrialsCurrent barriers to clinical trial access make it difficult for patients from underserved communities to access cutting edge care. Those barriers include restrictive eligibility criteria, which can lead to an underrepresentation of racial and ethnic minorities in clinical trials. Lucile Adams-Campbell, Ph.D., breaks down those barriers and outlines solutions to improve diversity in clinical trials and to ensure that participants receive continued care post-trial. Plus, hear from Sandra Washington, a board-certified patient advocate who shares why she fights for health equity and advocates on behalf of all patients. Hosts: Terry Wilcox, CEO, Pat...
2023-02-1733 minTest contentA 600-Mile Move for Health InsuranceStephen Kay took a job 10 hours away from his wife. Why? Because he needed insurance that would cover the costs of her multiple sclerosis care. While she had Medicare before turning 65, she was unable to purchase a supplemental plan, or Medigap plan, to cover her major costs. This is a reality facing numerous patients who live with disabilities, including ALS and End-Stage Renal Disease. Melanie Lendnal of the ALS Association explains that while patients with disabilities can receive Medicare before the age of 65, they often can’t access the supplemental plans they need. Learn about how legislation at...
2023-02-1032 minTest contentNew Innovations Improve Cancer CareOver the past 30 years, cancer death rates have declined by 33%. Ahead of World Cancer Day, hematologist Dr. Rafael Fonseca joins the podcast to talk about the latest innovations and improvements in cancer care delivery that have contributed to this decline. Plus, many patients with chronic diseases depend on employer-sponsored health plans. But losing a job and the health insurance that comes with it can leave patients scrambling for a plan that doesn’t interrupt their care. Montana Kirby shares her experience with this situation, what to know about COBRA health plans, and her advice for patients who ma...
2023-02-0331 minTest contentA Game-Changing Year for BiosimilarsThis year, six biosimilars for the top-selling medicine, Humira, will enter the market, with the first launching on January 31, 2023. Increased competition from biosimilars can drive down costs. But experts argue that insurers and pharmacy benefit managers will receive those savings – not patients. On this episode, hear from pharmacists, health economists, patient advocates, and health care experts about what biosimilar milestones 2023 will bring for patients. Plus, how to fix the system so that patients get the cost-savings they need. And listen to Brandi Privitera’s story, where she discusses her health care journey with fibromyalgia and lends...
2023-01-2733 minTest contentWhat’s Up with Congress and Health Policy?Congress has the power to improve patients’ access to affordable and transparent care. That’s why it’s important for patients to know which lawmakers support legislation that positively impacts patients across the country. To make this information accessible, Patients Rising Now created a beta 117th Congress Advocacy Scorecard. This inaugural report shows how many bills each chamber considered that would impact patients, and it tested whether lawmakers had opportunities to support pro-patient legislation or Dear Colleague letters. Spoiler alert: because Congress has been only voting on sweeping gigantic legislative packages, a lot of pro...
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2022-09-2330 minTest contentThe Vaccine Finish LineThe finish line for the vaccine race is just around the corner. Terry and Dr. Bob react to vaccine developments and respond to ICER’s recent attacks. Plus, the second part of our interview with Dr. Robert Popovian gives us the latest on Operation War Speed, President Trump’s executive orders and the impact on drug costs for patients. And Kate brings us an inside look at a clinical trial from participant Ian Haydon. Guest: Robert Popovian, PharmD. VP of U.S. Government Relations, Pfizer Inc. Robert Popovian is currently Vice Preside...
2020-09-1826 minTest contentWhat Goes Into Drug PricesGet an inside look into the drug supply chain and the factors that impact your bill at the pharmacy counter. Dr. Robert Popovian, VP of Government Relations at Pfizer, joins Terry to discuss how benefit design and rebates impact the cost of your medicine. Plus Kate speaks with Jackie Price, a double lung transplant recipient, on cystic fibrosis and the importance of organ donors. Guest: Robert Popovian, PharmD. VP of U.S. Government Relations, Pfizer Inc. Robert Popovian is currently Vice President, U.S. Government Relations at Pfizer Inc. where he leads the ad...
2020-09-1146 minTest contentChronic Disease in the WorkplaceIn celebration of Labor Day, we look at a business that is empowering the chronic disease community. Kate interviews Keisha Greaves, founder of the clothing brand Girls Chronically Rock. Plus, Terry and Dr. Bob discuss a potential COVID-19 vaccine by fall and provide an update on Erica Dean’s canceled ICER speech. Guest: Keisha Greaves, Owner, Girls Chronically Rock Keisha Greaves is a motivational speaker, the founder of Girls Chronically Rock, and the Massachusetts State Ambassador for the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA). Girls Chronically Rock offers inspired fashion celebrating muscular dystrophy and other chr...
2020-09-0435 minTest contentFinding Cures FasterThe lives of chronic and rare disease patients depend on the progress of medical discoveries. Dr. Gary Michelson explains how investment in innovative, high-risk research will improve patient outcomes. Plus hear from Lindsey Kizer, who depends on the U.S. Postal Service to deliver medication for her narcolepsy. Guest: Gary Michelson, M.D. Founder, Michelson Medical Research Foundation Dr. Gary Michelson is an orthopedic spinal surgeon, inventor, and philanthropist. He is an accomplished surgeon, having made numerous contributions to the medical field through his research and development of 950 patents. After over tw...
2020-08-2839 minTest contentCalculating the Value of Patient LivesICER’s pricing models assess the value of a drug and whether your life is worth paying for it. Health economist Dr. Paul Langley explains how ICER’s recommendations devalue patient lives and create barriers to accessible treatments. Dr. Bob and Terry examine the high profits recently reported by health insurance companies, while Kate speaks with Jen Hepworth on accessing cystic fibrosis treatments for her daughter. And we hear from Erica Dean, a mom with a daughter living with cystic fibrosis, who ICER canceled from speaking at their event next week. We allow her to share her story with us!
2020-08-2139 minTest contentAdapting to COVID-19 RisksWith a vaccine still months away, Americans with chronic disease are adapting to life with COVID-19. Dr. Paul Offit returns to discuss the status of a vaccine and living with the risk of infection. Terry and Bob consider school re-openings, and Kate interviews patient advocate Michael Smith on his work with the FDA to expand treatment options for gastroparesis. Guest: Paul Offit, M.D. Professor of Pediatrics and Director of Infectious Diseases at The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. Dr. Paul Offit has worked at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia for o...
2020-08-1430 minTest contentAccessing Your Health RecordsPatients deserve easy access to their medical records. With digital healthcare solutions on the rise, new companies are providing patient-centric solutions to gather, own, and share personal health data. Dr. Bob speaks with Seqster CEO and Co-Founder Ardy Arianpour, who is striving to make health data more accessible for patients. And Kate interviews Marie Dagenais-Lewis about creating inclusive workplaces for employees with disabilities. Guest: Ardy Arianpour, Seqster, CEO and Co-Founder Ardy Arianpour is CEO & Co-Founder of Seqster, an award-winning SaaS healthcare platform that enables organizations to drive efficient healthcare via comprehensive med...
2020-08-0732 minTest contentTrump Acts to Lower Rx PricesPresident Trump’s recent executive orders are a move to lower prescription drug prices for patients. But what changes should patients expect to see? We talk to the former lead health advisor to President Trump, Katy Talento, who breaks down exactly how the orders will impact patients. Terry and Bob discuss the policies, including co-pay accumulators and rebates. And Kate speaks with Jack Haskins, who has to pay thousands of dollars for medication due to co-pay accumulators. Guest: Katy Talento Katy Talento is an epidemiologist, licensed benefits consultant, and healthcare policy advi...
2020-07-3154 minTest contentThe Push for Better OutcomesValue-based healthcare models are a way to improve patient outcomes and lower the cost of care. Dr. Bob speaks with former FDA and CMS chief Dr. Mark McClellan, who says the pandemic has shown the benefits of value-based care and digital medical technologies. And as many offices begin reopening, immunocompromised employees are put in a difficult position. Kate speaks with New York City resident Danielle, whose doctor advised against her return to her workplace. Guest: Mark McClellan, M.D., Ph.D. Dr. Mark McClellan is a physician and economist with healthcare po...
2020-07-2448 minTest contentCures 2.0 + Upcoming Healthcare PoliciesDespite interruptions due to COVID-19, Congress continues working to address health disparities, chronic disease, and relief for coronavirus. Terry interviews Congressman Fred Upton, co-author of the 21st Century Cures Act, to find out what is in store for Cures 2.0. And Kate speaks with Lori Long, who faces losing her disability benefits if she marries her fiancé. Guest: Congressman Fred Upton, U.S. Representative, Michigan’s 6th Congressional District Congressman Fred Upton represents Michigan’s 6th Congressional District, which is home to agricultural, auto parts manufacturing, and biomedical industry centers. In 2014, Rep. Upton co-authored the 21...
2020-07-1747 minTest contentHow Personal Tech Changes OutcomesCan technology improve healthcare, even without the in-person relationship? Telemedicine has seen an explosion of utilization due to the pandemic. On this episode, we explore the countless new technologies that are changing healthcare as we know it. Dr. Bob speaks with Dr. Eric Topol on advances in artificial intelligence and personalized medicine. And Kate interviews a woman with metastatic breast cancer on the healthcare disparities that impact African American women. Guest: Eric Topol, M.D. Executive VP, Scripps Research Dr. Eric Topol is a physician-scientist, cardiologist, and author, with over forty years of e...
2020-07-1043 minTest contentPrescription Price TransparencyAt the pharmacy counter, patients are often surprised by mysterious high costs, due to pharmaceutical benefit managers (PBMs). These middlemen lead to inconsistent and unclear prices, making it difficult for chronic disease patients to access medication. But some PBMs are breaking this mold. We hear from the CEO of Capital Rx, a PBM that is setting the industry standard by putting the patient first. Guest: A.J. Loiacono, CEO, Capital Rx A.J. Loiacono is a healthcare executive with 20 years of experience in pharmacy benefits, finance, and software development. His diverse skill set l...
2020-07-0353 minTest contentInequality in HealthcareCOVID-19 has hit minority populations particularly hard, delivering a wake-up call to healthcare policymakers. How can we change the system to help marginalized communities get access to the care they need? Dr. Bob speaks with Dr. Frank L. Douglas, who describes his experiences fighting racism within the healthcare industry. And we hear from a member of the LGBTQ+ community battling the stigma of HIV. Guest: Frank L. Douglas, M.D., Ph.D. Dr. Frank L. Douglas has over thirty years of experience in the healthcare and pharmaceutical industry. Most recently, Dr. Douglas served as...
2020-06-2645 minTest contentAccessible Rare Disease TreatmentsPatients with rare diseases may soon have better access to treatments. A second installment to the 21st Century Cures Act is in the works that would make improvements to telemedicine and digital health regulations. Find out what this means for the rare disease community in this interview with Diane Berry, Ph.D. And hear Kate’s interview with Lan Sena, a healthcare advocate who has been battling Hodgkin’s lymphoma for the past ten years. Guest: Diane Berry, Ph.D. Senior VP, Global Health Policy, Government and Patient Affairs, Sarepta Therapeutics Diane joined Sarep...
2020-06-1945 minTest contentSafer + Cheaper DrugsMade in the USA: The return of drug manufacturing to the U.S. could help improve drug safety, cost, and accessibility for patients with chronic disease. Dr. Janet Woodcock is director of the FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research. She tells us about new technologies and processes to make this possible. Also, Dr. Bob celebrates his birthday by looking into Medicare options. Field correspondent Kate Pecora speaks with Mark Olsen, who describes the challenges of securing adequate healthcare and education for his son who lives with a rare disease. Guest: Janet Woodcock, M.D...
2020-06-1231 minTest contentDenied Access to TreatmentA victory for patients in Oklahoma as the state bans a discriminatory healthcare metric. Quality-adjusted-life-years (QALYs) are used by numerous insurance companies to block coverage based on disability or age. Two mothers of children with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) explain how QALYs impact their children’s access to affordable healthcare. Guest: Amanda Chaffin Amanda Chaffin is the mother of Kayden, a seven-year-old with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). Amanda and her family reside in Norman, Oklahoma, where a ban on quality-adjusted-life-years was recently enacted. Following Kayden’s diagnosis, Amanda faced immense challenges in secu...
2020-06-0535 minTest contentYour Patient DataHigher quality care at lower prices might be possible. Some companies are harnessing the power of anonymous, patient data to improve patient protocols and replace pharmacy benefit managers. Dr. Bob sits down with two leaders in the health care data industry that are doing just that. And with Memorial Day weekend still fresh on our minds, Kate speaks with a veteran who makes a plea for protecting veteran care under the Veterans Administration. Guests: Travis Leonardi, Chief Executive Officer at Agilum Healthcare Intelligence Travis Leonardi has been involved in the healthcare space for o...
2020-05-2929 minTest contentExposing Hidden Health CostsWhat will this cost? It’s the big question when it comes to healthcare, and it’s often impossible to answer. Health care policy expert David Balat explains how transparent pricing models put patients in control of their healthcare finances, and Kate speaks with Siobhan Benham, a nurse practitioner who explains the patient benefits of Direct Primary Care. Guest: David Balat, Healthcare Policy Director for the Texas Public Policy Foundation David Balat is a healthcare finance expert with over twenty years of experience and leadership in the healthcare industry. With his wealth of indust...
2020-05-2239 minTest contentThe Race for a COVID-19 VaccineThe nation is focused on development of a COVID-19 vaccine. And there’s conflicting information from all sides. For those with chronic illnesses, a vaccine will be even more critical if they hope to return to offices and clinics for routine treatments and doctor visits. But what dangers lie in a vaccine being developed too quickly? On this episode, Dr. Paul Offit explores the current state of the COVID-19 vaccine. And recent college graduate Kate Pecora speaks with a patient whose health relies on the vaccination of others. Guest: Paul Offit, M.D. Profe...
2020-05-1537 minTest contentPricing Patient LivesHealth economist Dr. Paul C. Langley explains the faults in ICER’s price calculations. Dr. Bob discusses his antibody test for COVID-19, and Kate speaks with a mother whose son passed away due to insulin rationing. Guest: Paul C. Langley, Ph.D. Health economist and adjunct professor in the College of Pharmacy, University of Minnesota Dr. Paul C. Langley is a health economist with an extensive background in drug evaluation for pharmacy and therapeutics companies. In the early 1990’s, Dr. Langley evaluated the economics for the introduction of new pharmaceutical products. In Australia, he wor...
2020-05-0844 minTest contentLast in Line: Chronic IllnessMany patients with chronic illnesses have had their treatments delayed or postponed as healthcare shifts its focus to COVID-19. Lifesaving procedures for the chronically ill have been put on the back burner. How does the healthcare system prioritize who is worth immediate care, and what does that mean for the patients put at the end of the line? On this episode, we explore these moral dilemmas in healthcare with the help of Dr. Camosy, a professor of bioethics. And Kate speaks with Jennifer McNary, a mother fighting against ICER’s pricing roadblocks in order to get...
2020-05-0130 minTest contentRestoring the Patient VoiceRestaurant menus list their prices. So why not hospitals? Unfortunately, patients usually don’t know the cost of their procedure or medication until they get the bill. Getting access to hospital pricing is also just as difficult as getting a hold of your own digital medical records. So how can patients take back control over their healthcare decisions? On this episode, we discuss the ins and outs of price transparency models, and how to pass legislation that will put you in control of your finances and health. Guest: Cynthia Fisher, Founder and Chairman, Pat...
2020-04-2444 minTest contentHow to Avoid Drug ShortagesCOVID-19 has brought global attention to the fragility of the medical supply chain. For those with chronic illnesses, drug shortages and access to medication often are lifelong battles. As the coronavirus spread begins to slow, will the pandemic bring about increased awareness of the everyday struggles of patients with chronic diseases? And how can we bridge the gaps in the medical supply chain? On this episode of the Patients Rising Podcast, we discuss new technologies that can quickly develop small-batch drugs in high demand among patients. We also look into how the pandemic has slowed the supply...
2020-04-1720 minTest contentNew COVID-19 TreatmentsMedical supply chains that transport medications for chronically ill patients are at risk of shutting down due to COVID-19. And for those that have contracted the disease, getting access to clinical trials is not an easy process. For at-risk patients, accessing life-saving medications is becoming increasingly more difficult. This week on the Patients Rising Podcast, we discuss treatment testing for coronavirus. We also discuss how the strain on the medical supply chain is impacting the routine medications relied on by thousands of chronically ill Americans. Finally, we follow up with some good patient news on Michael Goldsmith’s a...
2020-04-1034 minTest contentCOVID-19 EpicentersAs coronavirus continues to spread across New York City, other virus hot spots are emerging across the country, including Detroit and New Orleans. These epicenters are seeing a surge in coronavirus patients but lack the medical supplies and staff to combat this growing crisis. But how exactly do these coronavirus epicenters come to be? And what does this mean for immunodeficient patients living in these places? This week on the Patients Rising Podcast, we have part two of Dr. Bob’s interview with Dr. Hugh Rosen, who explains how and why these COVID-19 hotspots emerge. He also dis...
2020-04-0341 minTest contentCOVID-19 TreatmentsBoth the federal and state governments have begun turning to the private sector for solutions to supply tests, masks, and other necessary materials for fighting COVID-19. The private sector may also have potential coronavirus treatments, some of which are already in use for other diseases. On Episode 5 of the Patients Rising Podcast, we discuss the potential treatment options for COVID-19 and the other ways in which the private sector is helping to alleviate the impact of coronavirus. Guests: Sara Goldberg, Clinical social worker. Hugh Rosen, M.D., Ph.D. Professor of M...
2020-03-2731 minTest contentCOVID-19 and SuppliesFears of shortages of critical health supplies like hospital gowns, masks and drugs are a big topic on every media channel. Public health leaders are concerned about reports healthcare professionals are running short of the personal protective equipment they need. Government officials are working to address the supply chain in time, and this week President Trump invoked the Defense Production Act of 1950 to address predicted supply shortfalls. On Episode 4 of the Patients Rising Podcast, we discuss how the current pandemic is putting the medical supply chain to the test and how this affects patients with chronic disease. ...
2020-03-2046 minTest contentCoronavirus and Chronic DiseaseWhat does coronavirus spread across the country mean for the 10 million Americans who are immuno-deficient? While COVID-19 poses a risk for the elderly, it is also concerning for Americans suffering from underlying chronic health illnesses, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and cardiovascular disease and those in treatment for cancer. On this episode of the Patients Rising Podcast, we break down what the risk of coronavirus means for these patients and their caregivers, and what precautionary resources and steps should be considered. Guest: Paul Offit, M.D., Professor of Pediatrics and Director of In...
2020-03-1335 minTest contentBiosimilars: What You Need to KnowPrice: one the of largest barriers to medical treatment and accessible medicine. As many patients struggle to afford the high price tags at the pharmacy, there might soon be a solution. As more biosimilars enter the commercial market, some experts are claiming that they will actually lead to lower drug costs for patients everywhere. In the second episode of the Patients Rising Podcast, we look into the relationship between biosimilars and drug prices, break down what exactly biosimilars are, and how they are changing the healthcare landscape. Guest: Chad Pettit, Executive Director, Global Va...
2020-03-0628 minTest contentHow Insurers Double Dip with Copay AccumulatorsThe Centers for Medicare & Medicaid services are about to put a rule in place that allows insurers and pharmacy benefit managers to get paid TWICE for some of your prescriptions. This policy is called “the copay accumulator,” and it allows insurers to accept payment for a drug without applying the payment to your deductible. In the first episode of the Patients Rising Podcast, we discuss copay accumulators, and what patients need to know about them. We also talk about a looming deadline to comment on a proposed federal rule on the topic. How to take...
2020-02-2837 min