Is the price of your prescription drugs making you sick? 

Dr. Eddie Patton examines pharmaceutical costs in the U.S. healthcare system. Today, we explore the surge in prescription drug spending from 1960 to 2020. 

Dr. Patton discusses the distribution network's impact on pricing transparency, focusing on the role of wholesalers and Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs). Topics include drug pricing, financial toxicity, healthcare policy, and patient access to medications. He highlights the need for legislative changes and increased transparency in the pharmaceutical industry, and he provides insights on navigating the complex world of prescription drug costs. 

Your Health, Your Wealth aims to help listeners understand the economics of healthcare and make informed decisions. For more information, visit eddiepattonmd.com.

Five Conceptual Takeaways

1. The significant issue of high drug costs impacts overall healthcare spending and affects patient access to necessary medications.

2.  Pharmaceutical companies, as for-profit entities, need to recover the costs associated with research and development. 

3. The pharmaceutical market in the United States is controlled by a few major wholesalers, which limits competition and can lead to pricing issues. 

4. PBMs play a critical role in negotiating rebates and discounts with drug manufacturers.

5. There is a necessity for legislative changes and early discussions regarding the economic impact of medications on patients when choosing health plans.

Timestamped Overview

00:00 Doctor Eddie Patton discusses healthcare system complexities.

04:00 Rising prescription drug costs require urgent action.

08:28 Complexity of pharmaceutical drug pricing and flow.

11:44 Consolidation of wholesalers affects drug pricing, formularies.

17:59 New SMA medications improve kids' lives significantly.

19:15 Limited drug options lead to higher prices.

23:17 Cost of medications impact patient's health.

25:54 High drug costs lead to financial burden.

29:30 Addressing healthcare issues at micro and macro levels.

Is the price of your prescription drugs making you sick? 
Dr. Eddie Patton examines pharmaceutical costs in the U.S. healthcare system. Today, we explore the surge in prescription drug spending from 1960 to 2020. 
Dr. Patton discusses the distribution network's impact on pricing transparency, focusing on the role of wholesalers and Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs). Topics include drug pricing, financial toxicity, healthcare policy, and patient access to medications. He highlights the need for legislative changes and increased transparency in the pharmaceutical industry, and he provides insights on navigating the complex world of prescription drug costs. 
Your Health, Your Wealth aims to help listeners understand the economics of healthcare and make informed decisions. For more information, visit <a href="https://www.eddiepattonmd.com">eddiepattonmd.com</a>.
Five Conceptual Takeaways
1. The significant issue of high drug costs impacts overall healthcare spending and affects patient access to necessary medications.
2.  Pharmaceutical companies, as for-profit entities, need to recover the costs associated with research and development. 
3. The pharmaceutical market in the United States is controlled by a few major wholesalers, which limits competition and can lead to pricing issues. 
4. PBMs play a critical role in negotiating rebates and discounts with drug manufacturers.
5. There is a necessity for legislative changes and early discussions regarding the economic impact of medications on patients when choosing health plans.
Timestamped Overview
00:00 Doctor Eddie Patton discusses healthcare system complexities.
04:00 Rising prescription drug costs require urgent action.
08:28 Complexity of pharmaceutical drug pricing and flow.
11:44 Consolidation of wholesalers affects drug pricing, formularies.
17:59 New SMA medications improve kids' lives significantly.
19:15 Limited drug options lead to higher prices.
23:17 Cost of medications impact patient's health.
25:54 High drug costs lead to financial burden.
29:30 Addressing healthcare issues at micro and macro levels.

In Your Health, Your Wealth, renowned neurologist Dr. Eddie Patton exposes the hidden forces driving up medical costs for millions of Americans. From the fragmented healthcare infrastructure to hospital billing practices and pharmaceutical pricing, Dr. Patton provides an exhaustive examination of why the U.S. spends significantly more on healthcare than other nations.

"The US healthcare system emphasizes autonomy and choice for patients,” said Dr. Patton during episode one. "Accessibility is a key term that will be important in healthcare as we move forward." 

Dr. Eddie Patton is a recipient of Texas Monthly Magazine's SuperDoctors®, Houstonia Magazine's Top Doctors awards, and was appointed by Texas Governor Greg Abbott to the Texas Council on Alzheimer's Disease and Related Disorders. These accolades, along with his decades of experience, make him the ideal host for a podcast like this.

The podcast is a must-listen for anyone grappling with skyrocketing premiums, outrageous medical bills, or lack of access to quality care. Dr. Patton encourages listeners to "Increase your mindset, health set, and heart set as it pertains to your health and the healthcare system.”

In Your Health, Your Wealth, renowned neurologist Dr. Eddie Patton exposes the hidden forces driving up medical costs for millions of Americans. From the fragmented healthcare infrastructure to hospital billing practices and pharmaceutical pricing, Dr. Patton provides an exhaustive examination of why the U.S. spends significantly more on healthcare than other nations.
"The US healthcare system emphasizes autonomy and choice for patients,” said Dr. Patton during episode one. "Accessibility is a key term that will be important in healthcare as we move forward." 
Dr. Eddie Patton is a recipient of Texas Monthly Magazine's SuperDoctors®, Houstonia Magazine's Top Doctors awards, and was appointed by Texas Governor Greg Abbott to the Texas Council on Alzheimer's Disease and Related Disorders. These accolades, along with his decades of experience, make him the ideal host for a podcast like this.
The podcast is a must-listen for anyone grappling with skyrocketing premiums, outrageous medical bills, or lack of access to quality care. Dr. Patton encourages listeners to "Increase your mindset, health set, and heart set as it pertains to your health and the healthcare system.”

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