In this episode of Medical Matters Podcast, Dr. Peter Brier and Nurse Practitioner Kelly McCormack remind listeners it is time to think about getting your flu shot and updating with the new COVID vaccine.

The main focus of the podcast is the annual Commonwealth Fund report for 2024, which compared the US healthcare system to nine other highly developed nations to determine not only where we stand, but in an effort to find areas of improvement.

The report is divided into nine sections that include overall performance, access to care, health outcomes and especially, what the US can do to improve. The full report can be read here.

In this episode, Dr. Peter Brier and Nurse Practitioner Kelly McCormack discuss issues with the healthcare system. They discuss ER and tertiary care, and those who could get lost in the system.

The potential for falling through the cracks along with professional decision-making is considered. In addition, first-hand experiences are examined, including the medical system and reimbursement process, plus quality-of-life issues.

Dr. Peter Brier and Nurse Practitioner Kelly McCormack discuss rising healthcare costs in this episode. Commercial healthcare costs are expected to increase by eight percent in 2025, driven by several market and related forces. This is foretold by the increase in healthcare spending in the US this year, according to a recent report from the American Medical Association.

The doctors discuss differences in Medicare, including varied plans and factors that weigh on patient care, time spent, and billing methods. They also consider possible solutions.

A further examination of the matter appeared in Forbes Magazine, which has been fact-checked.