I’m always eager to learn which healthcare topics interest Americans the most. And lately, with the ever-changing media landscape, I was curious to know where readers of this newsletter turn for news on healthcare. Last month’s survey tackled both questions. Here are the results:
My thoughts: With innovation and policy reform topping the list of most interesting healthcare topics, it is clear that readers are zeroing in on the forces of change. Like the results indicate, I believe that if healthcare is going to change for the better, it will come from entrepreneurs and enterprises (like OpenAI and the retail giants) or from meaningful healthcare policy shifts (i.e., laws that will have a profound impact on drug pricing and the easing of restrictions on innovative solutions like telemedicine and hospital at home).
The superpowers in healthcare—health systems, insurers, the drug industry and specialized medicine—may be dominant for now. But unless they’re willing to embrace the spirit of change and make major improvements, they’ll be left in medicine’s rearview mirror.
Speaking of change, readers are flocking to the newer forms of media. Online sites, along with healthcare blogs, forums and online communities, topped the reader list, indicating their preference for a broader range of content and a desire to engage in discussion and debate.
My only disappointment with the results is that healthcare costs and financing weren’t higher on the list. I don’t see any way that our nation will achieve the innovation and reform we seek while our broken healthcare system clings to the outdated, perverse incentives of fee-for-service.
Thanks to all who voted! To participate in future surveys, and for access to timely news and opinion on American healthcare, sign up for my free (and ad-free) newsletter Monthly Musings on American Healthcare.
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Dr. Robert Pearl is the former CEO of The Permanente Medical Group, the nation’s largest physician group. He’s a Forbes contributor, bestselling author, Stanford University professor, and host of two healthcare podcasts. Pearl’s newest book, “Uncaring: How the Culture of Medicine Kills Doctors & Patients,” is available now. All profits from the book go to Doctors Without Borders.
