Healthcare Musings

Shakespeare wrote, "Uneasy lies the head that wears the crown."

For the physician, there are many things that he or she must do that is perceived as a burden. We must never forget that these things are duties that come out of the privilege of being a Doctor.

In this episode, Dr. Hassaballa reflects on the phrase in Shakespeare and what it means to him as a Doctor.

Dr. Rod Fontenette, board-certified Emergency AND Critical Care Medicine physician, told me that in the military, they always said, "One Team, One Fight."

In this episode of Healthcare Musings, Dr. Hassaballa reflects over this phrase and what it means to him in light of his previous conversation with Dr. Fontenette.

"They don't make Residents like the used to."

I have been saying that a lot. So, when I sat down and spoke with a Resident, Dr. Kumail Hussein, you know what I couldn't help but keep saying?

"Fair Enough."

I frequently get triggered when an Emergency Medicine colleague calls me and says, "I want to admit this patient to the ICU..."

But then I sat down with a colleague and friend who works in both, Dr. Rod Fontenette, and I came away with a whole new appreciation of life across the hall from the ICU.

Guest information: https://www.linkedin.com/in/roderick-w-fontenette-md-mhcm-cpe-facep-fccm-b9160250/

In honor of World Sepsis Day 2026, and Sepsis Awareness Month, Dr. Hassaballa discusses how sepsis is the great impostor, and if we are not constantly vigilant, it is liable to sneak up and take our patients' lives.

"They don't make residents like they used to."

I have said that again and again, and I am becoming more and more of a curmudgeon as I get older in my career. I believe with the changes implemented in modern Residency and Fellowship, trainees are being set up for failure.

Well, I spoke to one of "them," one of the new generation of physicians, to get his take.

Third-year Family Medicine Resident Dr. Kumail Hussain is my latest guest on the podcast.

It was a great conversation, and I learned a lot and have a much better understanding of how newer doctors feel.

This is a must listen episode.

I really, really do not like the system-based note and presentation. After a recent stretch of night shifts, I further explain why this way to document is so undesirable.

AI is increasingly being used in revenue cycle. Providers are using AI to code better, and payers are using AI to adjudicate claims and issue denials. An "AI arms race" seems to be ensuing.

Terry Cameron, former CEO of Sound Advisory Services, is optimistic about the increasing use of AI in revenue cycle. I, however, am not so optimistic as he is.

In this episode of the Healthcare Musings podcast, we discuss this divergence of opinions.

This episode is sponsored by Buttermilk Cafe in Downers Grove, IL.

Website: https://www.buttermilkrestaurants.com/

We are in the business of trying to stave off mortality. It is the life-blood of Critical Care Medicine. Here's the thing: sometimes, morbidity can bring a lifetime of suffering, and it can be worse than mortality.

In this episode of Healthcare Musings, Dr. Hassaballa reflects on the paradox of morbidity being worse than mortality.

Is health insurance actually insurance? Is this why costs are so high? Are there other ways to pay for healthcare?

I asked this and many more questions of Dr. Reinier Schuur, health policy analyst with the Center for Modern Health, a health policy think tank. 

Our conversation was thought-provoking. 

Center for Modern Health: https://substack.com/@reinierschuur

Article: https://open.substack.com/pub/centerformodernhealth/p/break-up-big-coverage-not-big-medicine?r=2d9b5g&utm_medium=ios