Medical Matters Podcast

In this episode, Dr. Peter Brier and Nurse Practitioner Kelly McCormack examine the issue of medical debt. Recent studies find millions of Americans are struggling with significant debt. KFF Health News' recent award-winning series notes that medical debt has become a defining feature of the US healthcare system. Their report can be read here . In addition, lawmakers in several states are try...

In this episode of Medical Matters Podcast, Dr. Peter Brier and Nurse Practitioner Kelly McCormack return to the topic of Semaglitude, also known as Wegovy. A new study commissioned by Novo Nordisk has determined that Wegovy, prescribed for weight loss, may also be beneficial for the most common form of heart failure. Details of the study can be found here . CNN's report is also available . 

Dr. Peter Brier and Nurse Practitioner Kelly McCormack discuss the recent use of Artificial Intelligence in health care.  One promising find is that of Yale researcher Dr. Rohan Khera, who has discovered a way to use AI to detect a hidden heart problem. His findings are available in the July 25th, 2023 issue of the journal, Circulation, and in a recent issue of the Hartford Courant. https://www.co...

In this episode, Dr. Peter Brier and Nurse Practitioner Kelly McCormack discuss the PACT Act, and the new benefits for veterans exposed to "burn pits" in Afghanistan. https://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/veterans-historic-expansion-benefits-toxic-exposure-new-law-102053437 Those who wish to make a claim may do so here: https://www.va.gov/resources/the-pact-act-and-your-va-benefits/#:~:tex...

Dr. Peter Brier and Nurse Practitioner Kelly McCormack discuss the topic of non-compete clauses, and how they pertain to the medical industry. The Federal Trade Commission is proposing a ban on non-competes; what this could mean is examined in the link below. https://www.medpagetoday.com/special-reports/exclusives/102618 In Part 2, the Doctors discussed the recent tornado in North Carolina, and th...

Dr. Peter Brier and Nurse Practitioner Kelly McCormack discuss two new medications recently approved by the Food & Drug Administration. Opill is the first over-the-counter birth control pill that will become available in the US in 2024. Made by Perrigo, Opill is a progestin-only oral contraceptive; the concerns of the FDA, and potential side effects are examined. Leqembi (Lecanemab) is a new d...

Dr. Peter Brier and Nurse Practitioner Kelly McCormack discuss the increased use of Ozempic as a weight-loss method. Semaglutide is used for the treatment of Type 2 Diabetes, and is sold under the names Ozempic, Rybelsus and Wegovy. The Washington Post has published a series of pieces on the use of Ozempic for weight loss, its popularity and how insurers are resisting--the June 12th, 2023 article...

Dr. Peter Brier and Nurse Practitioner Kelly McCormack discuss the vitamins and supplements industry.  The dietary supplements market size is currently estimated at $ 167.5 billion, according to a recent report, and does not show any stoppage of growth, according to Reportlinker.com . In Part 2 of the program, the doctors take up the recent World Health Organization report that advises against the...

The Doctors continue their discussion on the merger of Geisinger and Kaiser Permanente Health Systems. The "upgrade" to a national health system is considered, as the latter seeks to expand value-based care.  What does this mean for patients of both systems, and how will their access and services change.

Dr. Peter Brier and Nurse Practitioner Kelly McCormack discuss the recent merger of Kaiser Permanente and Geisinger. The long history of the two firms is examined, and what the merger means for patients.

Dr. Peter Brier and Nurse Practitioner Kelly McCormack discuss recent stories surrounding the concept of loneliness. A recent study by the US Department of Health and Human Services, regarding social connection shows the potential for increased health issues. The report can be found at the Office of Surgeon General website, hhs.gov/surgeongeneral The Doctors take us through the seven different typ...

Dr. Peter Brier and Nurse Practitioner Kelly McCormack discuss the recent decision of Moderna and Pfizer to increase the cost of their coronavirus vaccines. While the price is expected to increase (Courtesy VerifyThis.com ), vaccines are expected to remain free for those with health insurance. Concerns are what this will mean for the market, and the potential efficacy of Moderna's Patient Ass...

Peter and Kelly discuss Damar Hamlin's planned return to pro football. What has been learned from his unique case? Procedures and methods in dealing with heart conditions are also examined. 

Kelly and Peter discuss the issue of patient visits, and the numbers physicians are expected to see, and responses to portal messages. 

The Doctors discuss the option for providers to opt out of Medicare, why physicians would do so, and what this means for the healthcare system. Information on this can be found at MedicareInteractive.org

The Doctors discuss the recent nursing strike in New York City. More than seven thousand nurses connected to hospitals in Manhattan and the Bronx, and while resolved, the issue highlights a shortage of nursing staff nationwide. Co-host Kelly McCormack offers her own experiences as a Nurse Practitioner, the inequities in pay and ongoing issues with insurance are also examined.

Season 2 of "Medical Matters" begins with an examination of the Damar Hamlin case. Drs. Peter Brier and Kelly McCormack discuss the collapse of the Buffalo Bills player from cardiac arrest during a nationally-televised game, the prevalence of such episodes, and what it means, not only for sports, but heart health.

The doctors continue their in-depth discussion of Alzheimer's Disease and Dementia, and drug treatments.

Kelly and Peter discuss the recent US Supreme Court ruling,  Ruan vs. United States,  which James Romoser documents here: https://www.scotusblog.com/2022/10/the-other-supreme-court-ruling-with-big-repercussions-for-u-s-health-care/ Find out the doctor's takes here on Medical Matters Podcast.

Kelly and Peter discuss Medicare Advantage Plans, what they mean, and how they are administered.

The doctors discuss issues with hospitals, including costs and related issues that are causing potential failure. In addition, this week's Did You Know segment reminds us of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

The doctors discuss Alzeheimer's Disease and Dementia, including causes, and potential treatments.

On this episode, Peter and Kelly discuss lowering life expectancy rates. Also, in our  "Did You Know" segment, a reminder that September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month.  A reminder: the National Crisis Hotline, available at all times, is 9-8-8.

This week, Peter and Kelly discuss the extreme work hours undergone by physicians and medical professionals.

This week, Peter and Kelly discuss the rate of veteran suicides in the US, and the Veterans Administration's new REACH VET program.