Episodes

  • 2: Medical Economics Pulse, Feb. 7, 2025: Trump deletes data, Health jobs, 'reckless' Super Bowl ad

    2: Medical Economics Pulse, Feb. 7, 2025: Trump deletes data, Health jobs, 'reckless' Super Bowl ad
    Feb 7 2025
    Hello and welcome to Medical Economics Pulse, a quick-hitting news podcast that keeps busy physicians in the know. We offer concise updates on the most important developments affecting your practice, your bottom line, and the broader health care landscape, delivered to you by our editorial team at Medical Economics.

    It’s February 7, 2025, and here are today’s headlines:

    Leading physician organizations are calling on the Trump administration to restore and preserve publicly available data from the CDC and NIH. They argue that recent removals or limits on health information could jeopardize patient care and research. The groups stress that easy access to reliable data is a cornerstone of public health, helping physicians make informed decisions and policymakers craft effective health strategies.

    Next up, a look at the January jobs report. While new jobs slipped compared to the 2024 average, the healthcare industry was a top contributor to new jobs in January, adding 43,700 jobs. Hospitals led with 13,900, followed by nursing and residential care facilities with 13,200 new positions. Physician practices hired 2,200 new workers.

    Finally, a new Super Bowl ad from telehealth company Hims & Hers promoting semaglutide has drawn sharp criticism from the Partnership for Safe Medicines. The organization calls the ad “nothing short of reckless,” alleging it oversimplifies a serious prescription drug and could put viewers at risk if they seek out semaglutide without proper medical guidance.

    And that’s it for today’s Medical Economics Pulse. Be sure to subscribe for new episodes, and read more health business news and expert content at MedicalEconomics.com. Be sure to subscribe to our premiere podcast, “Off the Chart, A Business of Medicine Podcast," which features lively and informative conversations with health care experts, opinion leaders, and practicing physicians about the challenges facing doctors and medical practices.

    Thanks for tuning in.
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    2 mins
  • 1: Medical Economics Pulse Feb. 6, 2025: FDA smartphone warning, AI testing AI, and primary care's role in cancer screening

    1: Medical Economics Pulse Feb. 6, 2025: FDA smartphone warning, AI testing AI, and primary care's role in cancer screening
    Feb 6 2025
    Hello and welcome to Medical Economics Pulse, a quick-hitting news podcast that keeps busy physicians in the know. We offer concise updates on the most important developments affecting your practice, your bottom line, and the broader health care landscape, delivered to you by our editorial team at Medical Economics.

    It’s February 6, 2025, and here are today’s headlines:

    First up, the FDA has issued a warning about certain continuous glucose monitors, including concerns about how they’re used with smartphones. These devices, used by millions of diabetes patients, may give inaccurate readings if the sensor or phone app isn’t used or updated correctly. That’s a serious issue, because physicians often rely on real-time glucose data for immediate treatment decisions. The FDA recommends carefully following instructions, double-checking smartphone compatibility, and reaching out to the device manufacturer if you spot anything unusual. Ultimately, staying vigilant with both the sensor and its corresponding phone app is key for patient safety and effective diabetes management.

    In our second story, artificial intelligence isn’t just helping doctors analyze health data; now it’s being used to test other AI tools before they reach clinics. Think of it as one AI double-checking another for errors or hidden biases. By automating the testing process, developers can spot problems early on—like skewed data sets or flawed algorithms—before they affect real patients. This could speed up the rollout of AI innovations while maintaining high standards for patient care. It’s an exciting step that shows how AI can police itself to some extent and ensure better outcomes for everyone involved.

    Our last story highlights an interview with Dr. Kathleen N. Mueller, who discusses the essential role primary care physicians play in preventing and detecting cancer. From encouraging routine screenings—such as mammograms and colonoscopies—to advising on lifestyle changes, Dr. Mueller underscores how early intervention can save lives. She also emphasizes building trust between physicians and patients, which fosters better adherence to screening guidelines and ultimately leads to earlier detection and more effective treatment. It’s a timely reminder of the powerful impact a simple check-up can have in the fight against cancer.

    And that’s it for today’s Medical Economics Pulse. Be sure to subscribe for new episodes, and read more health business news and expert content at MedicalEconomics.com. Thanks for tuning in.
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    3 mins