Episodes

Better Primary Care: What Will It Take to Get the U.S. to Wake Up to the Need?

Originally broadcast on February 22, 2024.

U.S. spending on primary care fell again, to a mere 4.6% of total health care dollars spent. Primary Care Collaborative is the only national multi-stakeholder organization focused on whole-person primary care.

Primary Care Collaborative President & CEO Ann Greiner joins hosts Mark Masselli and Margaret Flinter to discuss better compensation and reimbursement for primary care clinicians and efforts to increase training, expanding access to community health centers, and opportunities for primary care to help as the country faces a mental health crisis.

What will it take to get the United States to wake up to the need for better primary care? Tune into this week’s conversation to learn more.

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Damning Research Reveals Extent of Pediatrics Care Gap: Children of Color Receive Worse Treatment

Originally broadcast on February 15, 2024

Across the board, children of color in America receive less treatment and fewer life-saving interventions than white children, according to a research review published in Lancet Child and Adolescent Health. The data find that strongest disparities between whites and children of color involved pain management; kids of color are less likely than their white peers to get painkillers for a broken arm or leg, for appendicitis or for migraines

Dr. Nia Heard-Garris, pediatrician and researcher at the Feinberg School of Medicine at Northwestern University, helped lead the project. She explains that the research also shows white children are sometimes overtreated, which is also not good for their health. Join hosts Mark Masselli and Margaret Flinter as they examine the findings and look for policy solutions.

Conversations on Health Care features in-depth discussions on health policy and innovation with industry newsmakers from around the globe. https://www.chcradio.com

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Mental Health’s AI Revolution: What It Means for Patients & Providers

Originally broadcast on February 8, 2024

How is the long-held image of a psychiatrist with a couch in an office being replaced by artificial intelligence? And what are the promises and perils of using technology to help treat depression and anxiety? Dr. Jodi Halpern is a psychiatrist, noted author and co-founder of the University of California’s Berkeley Group for Ethics and Regulation of Innovative Technologies.

Research shows that 26% of adult Americans have a diagnosable mental health situation each year, and private industry is rushing to provide AI and bots to help patients navigate these issues. However, Dr. Halpern explains the ethical problems that are arising from the marketing of these services. Join us for this insightful “Conversations on Health Care” with hosts Mark Masselli and Margaret Flinter.

Conversations on Health Care features in-depth discussions on health policy and innovation with industry newsmakers from around the globe. https://www.chcradio.com

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A Roadmap to Improve Health Outcomes By Investing In Green and Healthy Homes

Originally broadcast on January 25, 2024

There are many ways to address the social determinants of health but do we need to pay more attention to the one right in front of us? The Green and Healthy Homes Initiative thinks so, and it’s focused on addressing health inequities by making homes healthier, safer and more energy efficient.

Ruth Ann Norton leads the Green & Healthy Homes Initiative, a national nonprofit operating in 65 communities that’s helping residents understand that unhealthy homes can result in lead poisoning, asthma problems and injuries.

Norton explains that a doctor’s advice can only go so far if the home itself isn’t healthy. Hosts Mark Masselli and Margaret Flinter talk to Norton about their victories, including how the work has resulted in a 99% drop in childhood lead poisoning in Maryland.

Conversations on Health Care features in-depth discussions on health policy and innovation with industry newsmakers from around the globe. https://www.chcradio.com

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Helping Community Health Workers Succeed: Ideas From an Innovative Program

Originally broadcast on January 18, 2024

Experts praise community health workers as the keys to building a more equitable and fair health care system in America. Is there a way to unlock more success for hiring and retaining them?

Dr. Shreya Kangovi thinks so; she developed the IMPaCT Care program, which is saving money and quickly growing. “Conversations on Health Care” hosts Mark Masselli and Margaret Flinter talked to her about how it’s a standardized, scalable program that transforms the effectiveness of the community health workforce by reimagining each step.

Conversations on Health Care features in-depth discussions on health policy and innovation with industry newsmakers from around the globe. https://www.chcradio.com

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She Helped Design Pres. Biden’s AI Bill of Rights—How Does It Protect Patients?

Originally broadcast on January 11, 2024

Less than three months ago, Alondra Nelson, Ph.D., proudly watched as President Biden unveiled the administration’s blueprint for an artificial intelligence bill of rights, which is focused on ensuring safe, secure and trustworthy technology. Nelson had a big role in developing the strategy as she served as deputy assistant to the president and acting director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy. Since then, major health care companies have agreed to work toward solutions that advance health equity, expand access to care, make care affordable and other commitments.

But there’s anxiety about clinical algorithms showing racial bias and privacy worries. Nelson joins hosts Mark Masselli and Margaret Flinter to explain how the health care sector, including its employees, can benefit if AI is thoughtfully deployed.

Conversations on Health Care features in-depth discussions on health policy and innovation with industry newsmakers from around the globe. https://www.chcradio.com


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