The Gist Healthcare Podcast

The pandemic is estimated to cost hospitals more than $200 billion. In a whistleblower complaint, a top federal scientist says he was dismissed for refusing to promote an unproven drug as a COVID-19 treatment. And with millions expected to sign up for Medicaid, states are making cuts.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The White House is considering disbanding the coronavirus task force even as cases and deaths are expected to rise. The administration steps up its oversight of antibody tests. And health systems are telling patients it’s safe to come back. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As states ease lockdowns, updated models predict many more Americans will die from COVID-19. Hospitals and doctors are asking Congress to turn Medicare advanced payments into forgivable grants. And states join together to buy medical supplies. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Former Cigna executive-turned-industry-observer Wendell Potter talks about how the pandemic will alter the insurance market. Potter expects rising 2021 premiums will drive more employers away from offering health benefits. He is also watching to see if insurers acquire physicians hard-hit by drops in patient volume.   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

South Korea reached a big milestone - no new locally spread COVID-19 cases. Providers are adopting telehealth fast, but payment is still a problem. And insurers are painting a rosy picture for investors, yet asking for federal aid. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Early study results show remdesivir helped COVID-19 patients recover faster. The economy shrank by 4.8 percent in the first quarter of 2020. And young healthcare workers on the front lines are struggling to treat COVID-19 patients.   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Oncologists are concerned delayed cancer care will lead to more advanced disease. Quest Diagnostics has a new direct-to-consumer antibody test. Both wealthy and struggling hospitals compete for the same federal funds. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Americans are delaying emergent medical care. Public health experts say COVID-19 testing needs to be one part of a strategy to reopen the country. And the Supreme Court ruled the government owes insurers $12 billion it had promised. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dr. David Carsten talks about how COVID-19 is impacting dentistry and upending the live-patient licensure requirement, which is now being transitioned to an exam. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The head of the nation's vaccine development agency says he was removed for pushing back on a treatment the president supported. Doctors are concerned about the connection between COVID-19 and blood clots. And governors develop a detailed roadmap for reopening states. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.