We’re reporting live from the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) Convergence 2024 in Washington, D.C., a yearly gathering for rheumatology experts worldwide. Join us as we talk to rheumatologists, researchers, and patients to discover how these advancements in research are shaping the future of health and advocacy.

Among the highlights in this episode:

00:43: Dr. Sharon Dowell discusses her background as a rheumatologist and her favorite ACR session, "Thieves Market," which emphasizes the diversity of rheumatology cases

01:27: Dr. Dowell explains how events like ACR enhance advocacy by providing opportunities for networking and sharing global perspectives on patient care

02:24: Dr. Swamy Venuturupalli shares his excitement about lupus-specific sessions, especially on CAR T cell therapy, and how these advancements could help his patients

03:36: Dr. Venuturupalli emphasizes the importance of ACR as a global platform for learning and collaboration in rheumatology research

04:25: Cristina Montoya, a registered dietitian and patient advocate, shares her experience presenting on unrecognized symptoms of rheumatic diseases

05:29: Cristina highlights her work with the OMERACT Children’s Disease Working Group and her contributions to developing new outcomes for clinical trials

06:44: Dr. Shilpa Venkatachalam reflects on the patient-centered focus at ACR 2024 and the collaborative advancements in biologics and treatment modalities

09:02: Dr. Venkatachalam explains the value of patient-centered research in making invisible diseases visible through patient-reported outcomes and clinical data

12:06: Dr. Venkatachalam discusses how tools like PatientSpot empower patients to advocate for themselves by providing a full picture of their lived experiences

For more information about PatientSpot, visit: https://patientspot.org/

13:14: Zoe wraps up the episode, emphasizing the significance of research presented at ACR in improving patient outcomes and advocacy efforts

Contact Our Hosts

Steven Newmark, Chief of Policy at GHLF: snewmark@ghlf.org

Zoe Rothblatt, Director of Community Outreach at GHLF: zrothblatt@ghlf.org

A podcast episode produced by Ben Blanc, Associate Director, Digital Production and Engagement at GHLF.

We want to hear what you think. Send your comments in the form of an email, video, or audio clip of yourself to podcasts@ghlf.org

Catch up on all our episodes on our website or on your favorite podcast channel.

We’re reporting live from the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) Convergence 2024 in Washington, D.C., a yearly gathering for rheumatology experts worldwide. Join us as we talk to rheumatologists, researchers, and patients to discover how these advancements in research are shaping the future of health and advocacy.
Among the highlights in this episode:
00:43: Dr. Sharon Dowell discusses her background as a rheumatologist and her favorite ACR session, "Thieves Market," which emphasizes the diversity of rheumatology cases
01:27: Dr. Dowell explains how events like ACR enhance advocacy by providing opportunities for networking and sharing global perspectives on patient care
02:24: Dr. Swamy Venuturupalli shares his excitement about lupus-specific sessions, especially on CAR T cell therapy, and how these advancements could help his patients
03:36: Dr. Venuturupalli emphasizes the importance of ACR as a global platform for learning and collaboration in rheumatology research
04:25: Cristina Montoya, a registered dietitian and patient advocate, shares her experience presenting on unrecognized symptoms of rheumatic diseases
05:29: Cristina highlights her work with the OMERACT Children’s Disease Working Group and her contributions to developing new outcomes for clinical trials
06:44: Dr. Shilpa Venkatachalam reflects on the patient-centered focus at ACR 2024 and the collaborative advancements in biologics and treatment modalities
09:02: Dr. Venkatachalam explains the value of patient-centered research in making invisible diseases visible through patient-reported outcomes and clinical data
12:06: Dr. Venkatachalam discusses how tools like PatientSpot empower patients to advocate for themselves by providing a full picture of their lived experiences
For more information about PatientSpot, visit: <a href="https://patientspot.org/">https://patientspot.org/</a>
13:14: Zoe wraps up the episode, emphasizing the significance of research presented at ACR in improving patient outcomes and advocacy efforts
Contact Our Hosts
Steven Newmark, Chief of Policy at GHLF: <a href="mailto:snewmark@ghlf.org">snewmark@ghlf.org</a>
Zoe Rothblatt, Director of Community Outreach at GHLF: <a href="mailto:zrothblatt@ghlf.org">zrothblatt@ghlf.org</a>
A podcast episode produced by Ben Blanc, Associate Director, Digital Production and Engagement at GHLF.
We want to hear what you think. Send your comments in the form of an email, video, or audio clip of yourself to <a href="mailto:podcasts@ghlf.org">podcasts@ghlf.org</a>
Catch up on all our episodes on our website or on your favorite podcast channel.

A podcast that breaks down major health news of the week to help you make sense of it all. Our goal is to help you understand what’s happening in the healthcare world to help you make informed decisions to live your best life.

A podcast that breaks down major health news of the week to help you make sense of it all. Our goal is to help you understand what&rsquo;s happening in the healthcare world to help you make informed decisions to live your best life.

The Health Advocates

A podcast that breaks down major health news of the week to help you make sense of it all. Our goal is to help you understand what’s happening in the healthcare world to help you make informed decisions to live your best life. The podcast is part of the Global Healthy Living Foundation Podcast Network and hosted by Steven Newmark, Chief of Policy at GHLF, and Zoe Rothblatt, Director of Community Outreach at GHLF.

A podcast that breaks down major health news of the week to help you make sense of it all. Our goal is to help you understand what’s happening in the healthcare world to help you make informed decisions to live your best life. The podcast is part of the Global Healthy Living Foundation Podcast Network and hosted by Steven Newmark, Chief of Policy at GHLF, and Zoe Rothblatt, Director of Community Outreach at GHLF.

S7, Ep 31- Live from ACR Convergence: Key Takeaways from Rheumatologists, Researchers, and Patients

In this episode, we’re joined by Ron Howrigon, President of Fulcrum Strategies, who specializes in guiding doctors through the complexities of insurance policies. Ron shares his unique journey from working on the insurance side to advocating for physicians and patients against unfair industry practices. We dive into the challenges of prior authorization, insurance denials, and their impact on physician burnout. Ron sheds light on the incentives driving insurance companies and the reasons behind coverage battles, while offering thoughtful solutions to improve the system for patients and health care providers alike.

Among the highlights in this episode:

01:17: Ron explains his career shift from working for major insurance companies to founding Fulcrum Strategies, motivated by his personal experience during his child's birth

03:15: Ron describes the main focus of his work: helping physicians negotiate fair reimbursement terms with insurance companies and address issues like prior authorization

06:04: Ron highlights common problems physicians face, including retroactive denials and patients being unable to afford out-of-pocket costs despite having insurance

08:14: Ron discusses the motivation behind insurance companies’ tactics, explaining the profit-driven nature of the industry and how it conflicts with patient care needs

09:49: The conversation shifts to the challenges of managing chronic disease within the insurance system, with Ron explaining the adverse selection and cost issues insurers face

11:01: Zoe Rothblatt, Director of Community Outreach at GHLF, shares her personal experience with biologic medication costs, highlighting the financial burden on chronically ill patients

13:46: Ron offers his perspective on potential solutions, including the possibility of universal health care and reforming the insurance industry's approach to prior authorization

15:29: The discussion addresses the need for accountability in the insurance industry, with Ron suggesting that medical directors be held to the same standards as prescribing doctors

18:49: Ron offers a message of resilience and hope, encouraging patients and physicians to continue advocating for policy change and better care

19:57: What our hosts learned from this episode

Contact Our Hosts

Steven Newmark, Chief of Policy at GHLF: snewmark@ghlf.org

Zoe Rothblatt, Director of Community Outreach at GHLF: zrothblatt@ghlf.org

A podcast episode produced by Ben Blanc, Associate Director, Digital Production and Engagement at GHLF.

We want to hear what you think. Send your comments in the form of an email, video, or audio clip of yourself to podcasts@ghlf.org

Catch up on all our episodes on our website or on your favorite podcast channel.

In this episode, we’re joined by Ron Howrigon, President of Fulcrum Strategies, who specializes in guiding doctors through the complexities of insurance policies. Ron shares his unique journey from working on the insurance side to advocating for physicians and patients against unfair industry practices. We dive into the challenges of prior authorization, insurance denials, and their impact on physician burnout. Ron sheds light on the incentives driving insurance companies and the reasons behind coverage battles, while offering thoughtful solutions to improve the system for patients and health care providers alike.
Among the highlights in this episode:
01:17: Ron explains his career shift from working for major insurance companies to founding Fulcrum Strategies, motivated by his personal experience during his child's birth
03:15: Ron describes the main focus of his work: helping physicians negotiate fair reimbursement terms with insurance companies and address issues like prior authorization
06:04: Ron highlights common problems physicians face, including retroactive denials and patients being unable to afford out-of-pocket costs despite having insurance
08:14: Ron discusses the motivation behind insurance companies’ tactics, explaining the profit-driven nature of the industry and how it conflicts with patient care needs
09:49: The conversation shifts to the challenges of managing chronic disease within the insurance system, with Ron explaining the adverse selection and cost issues insurers face
11:01: Zoe Rothblatt, Director of Community Outreach at GHLF, shares her personal experience with biologic medication costs, highlighting the financial burden on chronically ill patients
13:46: Ron offers his perspective on potential solutions, including the possibility of universal health care and reforming the insurance industry's approach to prior authorization
15:29: The discussion addresses the need for accountability in the insurance industry, with Ron suggesting that medical directors be held to the same standards as prescribing doctors
18:49: Ron offers a message of resilience and hope, encouraging patients and physicians to continue advocating for policy change and better care
19:57: What our hosts learned from this episode
Contact Our Hosts
Steven Newmark, Chief of Policy at GHLF: <a href="mailto:snewmark@ghlf.org">snewmark@ghlf.org</a>
Zoe Rothblatt, Director of Community Outreach at GHLF: <a href="mailto:zrothblatt@ghlf.org">zrothblatt@ghlf.org</a>
A podcast episode produced by Ben Blanc, Associate Director, Digital Production and Engagement at GHLF.
We want to hear what you think. Send your comments in the form of an email, video, or audio clip of yourself to <a href="mailto:podcasts@ghlf.org">podcasts@ghlf.org</a>
Catch up on all our episodes on our website or on your favorite podcast channel.

S7, Ep 30- Advocating for Fair Health Care: Health Insurance Battles and Burnout with Ron Howrigon

In this special post-election episode of The Health Advocates, Steven Newmark, Chief Policy Officer at the Global Healthy Living Foundation, provides an update on the potential impacts of Donald Trump’s second non-consecutive presidential term on health care. With changes expected in the Senate and possible shifts in the House, Steven breaks down how Trump’s administration, along with controversial figures like Robert F. Kennedy Jr., may influence public health agencies, Medicaid, Medicare, and the Affordable Care Act. Tune in for a quick, informative recap of the election's health care implications.

Contact Our Hosts

Steven Newmark, Chief of Policy at GHLF: snewmark@ghlf.org

Zoe Rothblatt, Director of Community Outreach at GHLF: zrothblatt@ghlf.org

A podcast episode produced by Ben Blanc, Associate Director, Digital Production and Engagement at GHLF.

We want to hear what you think. Send your comments in the form of an email, video, or audio clip of yourself to podcasts@ghlf.org

Catch up on all our episodes on our website or on your favorite podcast channel.

In this special post-election episode of The Health Advocates, Steven Newmark, Chief Policy Officer at the Global Healthy Living Foundation, provides an update on the potential impacts of Donald Trump’s second non-consecutive presidential term on health care. With changes expected in the Senate and possible shifts in the House, Steven breaks down how Trump’s administration, along with controversial figures like Robert F. Kennedy Jr., may influence public health agencies, Medicaid, Medicare, and the Affordable Care Act. Tune in for a quick, informative recap of the election's health care implications.
Contact Our Hosts
Steven Newmark, Chief of Policy at GHLF: <a href="mailto:snewmark@ghlf.org">snewmark@ghlf.org</a>
Zoe Rothblatt, Director of Community Outreach at GHLF: <a href="mailto:zrothblatt@ghlf.org">zrothblatt@ghlf.org</a>
A podcast episode produced by Ben Blanc, Associate Director, Digital Production and Engagement at GHLF.
We want to hear what you think. Send your comments in the form of an email, video, or audio clip of yourself to <a href="mailto:podcasts@ghlf.org">podcasts@ghlf.org</a>
Catch up on all our episodes on our website or on your favorite podcast channel.

S7, Ep 29- Post-Election Recap: What Trump's Return Means for Health Care

In this special Halloween episode of The Health Advocates, we’re diving into some spine-chilling experiences in the health care system. Our guests open up about their scariest moments — from misdiagnoses and panic attacks in MRI machines to doctors dismissing their pain. But it’s not all fright! They share how these tough experiences helped them become stronger self-advocates, turning fear into resilience.

Among the highlights in this episode:

01:34: Shelley Fritz, Patient-Centered Engagement and Insights Manager at GHLF, describes her experience on Easter weekend in 2017, when she started experiencing severe chest pain and difficulty breathing

06:47: Shelley shares that she was diagnosed with bilateral pulmonary embolisms (blood clots in both lungs) — a potentially fatal condition and recalls how a nurse, unaware of her diagnosis, carelessly lifted her, worsening her pain. Shelley had to advocate for different pain management, eventually receiving proper treatment after several hours

11:26: Sarah Shaw, Associate Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Community Outreach at GHLF, shares how her doctor’s frustration with her lack of progress led to a shocking comment, labeling her a “problem patient.” Sarah felt blamed for not responding to treatments but decided to find a new doctor who would advocate for her and work collaboratively on her treatment plan

15:23: Sarah reflects on her positive experience with her new doctor, who reassures her that “the treatment failed you, not the other way around,” a supportive approach that transformed her journey, emphasizing the importance of finding a doctor who listens and treats patients as partners in their care

18:53: Zoe Rothblatt, Director of Community Outreach at GHLF, shares her own story of feeling dismissed by a dermatologist who kept her waiting for over two hours, only to rush through the appointment and offer unsolicited advice on her autoimmune treatment, making her feel uncomfortable and disregarded

21:59: Zoe reflects on the lessons learned: the importance of trusting her instincts, finding providers who respect her time, and ensuring she feels comfortable speaking up during appointments

26:44: JP Summers, Senior Patient Advocate and Community Outreach Manager at GHLF, describes the panic attack she experienced while in the MRI machine due to severe claustrophobia. This led her to advocate for an open MRI despite initial insurance denials, highlighting how crucial it is to speak up for her needs in challenging health care situations

32:54: Zoe thanks JP for sharing her story, acknowledging the anxiety diagnostic tests can trigger for chronic illness patients, and underscores the importance of knowing there are often alternatives available

36:19: What our hosts learned from this episode

Contact Our Hosts

Steven Newmark, Chief of Policy at GHLF: snewmark@ghlf.org

Zoe Rothblatt, Director of Community Outreach at GHLF: zrothblatt@ghlf.org

A podcast episode produced by Ben Blanc, Associate Director, Digital Production and Engagement at GHLF.

We want to hear what you think. Send your comments in the form of an email, video, or audio clip of yourself to podcasts@ghlf.org

Catch up on all our episodes on our website or on your favorite podcast channel.

In this special Halloween episode of The Health Advocates, we’re diving into some spine-chilling experiences in the health care system. Our guests open up about their scariest moments — from misdiagnoses and panic attacks in MRI machines to doctors dismissing their pain. But it’s not all fright! They share how these tough experiences helped them become stronger self-advocates, turning fear into resilience.
Among the highlights in this episode:
01:34: Shelley Fritz, Patient-Centered Engagement and Insights Manager at GHLF, describes her experience on Easter weekend in 2017, when she started experiencing severe chest pain and difficulty breathing
06:47: Shelley shares that she was diagnosed with bilateral pulmonary embolisms (blood clots in both lungs) — a potentially fatal condition and recalls how a nurse, unaware of her diagnosis, carelessly lifted her, worsening her pain. Shelley had to advocate for different pain management, eventually receiving proper treatment after several hours
11:26: Sarah Shaw, Associate Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion &amp; Community Outreach at GHLF, shares how her doctor’s frustration with her lack of progress led to a shocking comment, labeling her a “problem patient.” Sarah felt blamed for not responding to treatments but decided to find a new doctor who would advocate for her and work collaboratively on her treatment plan
15:23: Sarah reflects on her positive experience with her new doctor, who reassures her that “the treatment failed you, not the other way around,” a supportive approach that transformed her journey, emphasizing the importance of finding a doctor who listens and treats patients as partners in their care
18:53: Zoe Rothblatt, Director of Community Outreach at GHLF, shares her own story of feeling dismissed by a dermatologist who kept her waiting for over two hours, only to rush through the appointment and offer unsolicited advice on her autoimmune treatment, making her feel uncomfortable and disregarded
21:59: Zoe reflects on the lessons learned: the importance of trusting her instincts, finding providers who respect her time, and ensuring she feels comfortable speaking up during appointments
26:44: JP Summers, Senior Patient Advocate and Community Outreach Manager at GHLF, describes the panic attack she experienced while in the MRI machine due to severe claustrophobia. This led her to advocate for an open MRI despite initial insurance denials, highlighting how crucial it is to speak up for her needs in challenging health care situations
32:54: Zoe thanks JP for sharing her story, acknowledging the anxiety diagnostic tests can trigger for chronic illness patients, and underscores the importance of knowing there are often alternatives available
36:19: What our hosts learned from this episode
Contact Our Hosts
Steven Newmark, Chief of Policy at GHLF: <a href="mailto:snewmark@ghlf.org">snewmark@ghlf.org</a>
Zoe Rothblatt, Director of Community Outreach at GHLF: <a href="mailto:zrothblatt@ghlf.org">zrothblatt@ghlf.org</a>
A podcast episode produced by Ben Blanc, Associate Director, Digital Production and Engagement at GHLF.
We want to hear what you think. Send your comments in the form of an email, video, or audio clip of yourself to <a href="mailto:podcasts@ghlf.org">podcasts@ghlf.org</a>
Catch up on all our episodes on our website or on your favorite podcast channel.

S7, Ep 31- Live from ACR Convergence: Key Takeaways from Rheumatologists, Researchers, and Patients

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