At least initially, most care is self-care with over-the-counter drugs and medical supplies from the drugstore. With the advent of the Internet consumers have access to more information about a given disease or condition than their doctors would have time to explain to them. When informed patients discuss health conditions with their doctors, they start from a level of knowledge that allows them to discuss problems without reviewing the basics. I’m a firm believer in empowered patients. I’ve always believed that knowledgeable patients benefit both themselves and their doctors.
Category: Consumer-Driven Health Care
Tuesday Links
- Stunning new mask study: “We are uncertain whether wearing masks or N95/P2 respirators helps to slow the spread of respiratory viruses based on the studies we assessed.”
- Scott Sumner: ChatGPT is confused about supply and demand; but so are most economists.
- How dangerous is H5N1?
- More details, including the role of minks.
- How nature mummifies the dead: in bogs. Also, Steven Pinker is right: the past was more violent than the present. (NYT)
- Only 25% of hospitals are fully compliant with federal price transparency rules, Some of the largest conglomerates are among the offenders.
Monday Links
- Weight gain is not a new thing: Americans have been gaining weight for as far back as we have data.
- When Cuba sends doctors to other countries, it’s not charity; it’s business.
- The Heath Care Blog discovers the joys of patient power. Of course, 30 years is a long time after we first explained it all; but better late than never.
- Biologics account for 2% of US prescriptions for drugs, but 40% of total spending on prescription drugs. Here’s what drug companies do to discourage generic (biosimilar) competitors.
- Do health insurers provide fair access to drugs? Evidence that they don’t.
Drain the Food Swamp!
Do you live in a food swamp? I’ve read that food swamps are dangerous places to live. I had never heard of food swamps before reading about them. I’ve heard of food deserts. These are supposedly inner-city metropolitan areas where there are few grocery stores that sell fresh vegetables and healthy foods. I thought if your…