Medical Matters Podcast

In this episode of Medical Matters Podcast, the doctors discuss the strides science has made in the treatment of cancer. An overview of cancerous cells and tumors is provided, along with early treatments, of which there were few.  There are four categories of cancer treatment. These methods include precision medicine, and personalized vaccines, radiotherapy, and diagnostics are also examined; the...

In this episode of the Medical Matters Podcast, Dr. Peter Brier and Nurse Practitioner Kelly McCormick discuss the recent rise in cases of Ebola and Hantavirus -- the differences, symptoms, and treatments are considered. The goal of this podcast is to provide background, historical context, and explain how the viruses are taking hold. Ebola is largely active in Central and West Africa, and cases m...

In this episode of "Medical Matters Podcast," Dr. Peter Brier and Nurse Practitioner Kelly McCormick discuss Prior Authorization, the process by which a healthcare provider must obtain approval from the insurance provider. The Cleveland Clinic outlines the full definition here . Through experience, the doctors outline the process of prior authorization. They further cite the so-called &q...

Season 5 of the Medical Matters Podcast opens with an examination of life expectancy in the United States. Dr. Peter Brier and Nurse Practitioner Kelly McCormick break down figures that confirm a record-high for both men and women in the United States. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released these numbers last week for the year 2024. While deaths from illnesses such as coronavirus...

In this episode of Medical Matters Podcast, Dr. Peter Brier and Nurse Practitioner Kelly McCormick discuss the potential for issues in the wake of the federal government shutdown. The doctors discuss the Affordable Care Act, benefits and drawbacks, along with the available providers and costs. Medicare and Medicaid are also examined, and possible ways to make the programs more affordable and acces...

In this episode of the Medical Matters Podcast, Dr. Peter Brier and Nurse Practitioner Kelly McCormick discuss the use of Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare. There are concerns that mechanized treatment and therapy, when devoid of the human element, could allow AI to make value judgments, potentially resulting in less-than-ideal outcomes. A recent study by Stanford University is referenced here...

In this episode, the doctors discuss the availability of medical assistance, especially home care aid.  Medicaid, the low rates offered, and the low rate of pay many home care professionals earn are among the topics, along with concerns about what assistance may remain for those in need, with Congress's passing of President Trump's tax and spending package.

In this episode of Medical Matters Podcast, Dr. Peter Brier and Nurse Practitioner Kelly McCormick discuss the increase in Early Onset Cancer. Studies show on average there has been a one to two-percent increase in cancers diagnosed in adults aged 18 to 49.  The doctors cite the changing manifestation of tumors, but also possible reasons, including lifestyle and environment. Reasons are examined i...

Season 4 of "Medical Matters Podcast" opens 2025 with a discussion on processed foods, and what is in much of our foods. Dr. Peter Brier and Nurse Practitioner Kelly McCormick discuss the state of our food supply, and how the preservatives and additives can cause harm. Many of these are in hundreds of everyday items, and the doctors discuss what these can do, and how to avoid them and mo...

In this episode of Medical Matters Podcast, Dr. Peter Brier and Nurse Practitioner Kelly McCormick discuss some of President-Elect Trump's cabinet and agency head choices. Among these: the appointment of Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. as Director of the Department of Health & Human Services, TV host Dr. Mehmet Oz is slated to oversee Medicare and Medicaid services. Details of some of Trump's...

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 pat...

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,...

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,...

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 differ...

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...

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 bankru...

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 sid...

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 d...

In this episode of Medical Matters Podcast, Dr. Peter Brier and Nurse Practitioner Kelly McCormack discuss the subject of aging, and how the experience in the United States perhaps differs from other nations. Topics include loneliness, a lack of socialization, and how elderly residents are viewed in other nations. These and other subjects have been the focus of recent studies by the Yale School of...

In this episode of Medical Matters Podcast, Dr. Peter Brier and Nurse Practitioner Kelly McCormack discuss a recent article about Electronic Health Records. With recordkeeping increasingly moving online or "in the Cloud," more time is required to update keep patient records current. The doctors talk about the ins and outs of EHRs. A recent article about EHRs can be found here . 

In this episode of Medical Matters Podcast, Dr. Peter Brier and Nurse Practitioner Kelly McCormack highlight the month of February, which is American Heart Health Month. You can find out more from the American Heart Assocation here . Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the United States, and the doctors break down the topic with an in-depth discussion. More information is available...

In the Season 3 premiere of the Medical Matters Podcast, Dr. Peter Brier and Nurse Practitioner Kelly McCormack discuss hospital ratings systems. How are hospitals graded, and under what criteria? The discussion follows a recent issue in Pennsylvania when a state Department of Health inspection turned up problems at Lancaster General Hospital, which is operated by Penn Medicine. More about that st...

On this episode of the Medical Matters Podcast, Dr. Peter Brier and Nurse Practitioner Kelly McCormack discuss who benefits and profits the most from the business of healthcare. They take an in-depth look at insurers, drug distributors, and Pharmacy Benefit Managers, also known as PBMs. The relationship between patients and the healthcare system is examined, with a look at the "middle men.&qu...

In this episode, Dr. Peter Brier and Nurse Practitioner Kelly McCormack discuss working one's way through the US healthcare system.  They discuss the different health systems and plans, Open Enrollment, Medicare, and Advantage, along with copays and finding what plan is right for you, and what you can safely afford. 

In this episode of the Medical Matters Podcast, Dr. Peter Brier and Nurse Practitioner Kelly McCormack discuss Medicare Advantage Plans and help navigate the options. Approximately 31 million Americans have such private-sector alternatives to Medicare. A recent NBC News story on the issue can be found here .