In the latest episode of Diving Deep, hosts Dr. Robert Pearl and Jeremy Corr explore three timely healthcare topics that are shaping the future of medicine. This episode focuses on denial in public health, the rise of patient consumerism and a potential fix for U.S. healthcare’s cost crisis.

The episode begins with an in-depth discussion about how denial functions as an unconscious defense mechanism that prevents patients, clinicians and health officials from acknowledging and reacting to health threats. Dr. Pearl highlights how denial not only hampered the response to COVID-19 and HIV/AIDS, but also to emerging health crises like mpox, along with chronic illnesses such as hypertension and diabetes.

Next, the conversation shifts to the growing trend of patient empowerment through consumerism. The hosts examine how advances in generative AI and at-home diagnostics are transforming the doctor-patient dynamic. Pearl notes that patients increasingly prefer convenience over traditional in-person visits, and with AI becoming more accurate and empathetic, the doctor’s role is evolving.

Finally, the hosts tackle the financial challenges plaguing the U.S. healthcare system. Pearl explains how capitation—a payment model that rewards doctors for keeping patients healthy—would flip the traditional fee-for-service model on its head. He draws on game theory principles to illustrate how trust and cooperation between payers and providers could lead to better patient outcomes and lower costs. A win-win for both sides.

Join the conversation as Dr. Pearl and Jeremy Corr dive deep into the most critical issues in American healthcare today.

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Dr. Robert Pearl is the author of “ChatGPT, MD: How AI-Empowered Patients & Doctors Can Take Back Control of American Medicine.” All profits from the book go to Doctors Without Borders.

Diving Deep is a co-production of Dr. Robert Pearl and Jeremy Corr. Subscribe to the show via Apple, Spotify or wherever you find podcasts. Join the conversation or suggest a guest by following the show on Twitter and LinkedIn.

The post FHC #152: Tackling healthcare denial, consumerism & the cost crisis appeared first on Fixing Healthcare.