Dr. Eric Bricker started his career as a physician, but over time, he found himself drawn into the world of healthcare finance—unpacking the complexities of insurance, drug pricing, and hospital consolidation to help people better understand the system. In this episode, he breaks down how pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) influence medication costs, why hospital mergers drive prices up, and what physicians can do to be better stewards of their patients’ financial health. We also talk about the power of transparency in healthcare and how both doctors and patients can work together to make more informed, cost-conscious decisions.

Key Topics & Timestamps:

• 05:51 Understanding Drug Pricing and Market Dynamics
• 12:00 The Complexity of Copay Cards and Patient Costs
• 18:13 Stewardship in Healthcare: A Physician's Responsibility
• 23:52 Final Thoughts and Resources for Patients and Physicians

Episode Highlights:

• From Physician to Finance Expert – Dr. Bricker shares his journey from clinical practice to healthcare finance, offering a unique perspective on the system.
• The Complexities of Healthcare Costs – Breaking down how insurance, pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs), and hospital consolidation drive up expenses.
• Transparency in Healthcare – Why patients and physicians struggle to understand pricing and how greater transparency could lead to better decision-making.
• The Impact of Drug Pricing – How PBMs and manufacturers influence medication costs, often at the expense of patients.
• Hospital Mergers & Patient Care – The unintended consequences of consolidation, from rising prices to decreased physician autonomy.
• The Role of Physicians in Financial Stewardship – Why doctors need to consider the economic impact of their decisions on patients and the healthcare system.
• Collaboration is Key – How doctors, patients, and policymakers can work together to create a more sustainable and patient-friendly healthcare system.

Links & Resources:

• Connect with Dr. Bricker
  • LinkedIn
  • YouTube
• Dr. Bricker’s AHealthcareZ

Connect with Dr. Arti: 

Instagram: @drartithangudu

LinkedIn: Arti Thangudu, MD 

YouTube: @drartithangudu