Cost-Effective Medicine: International Insights
Share some thoughts with our show and you could win a $50 VISA gift card plus a limited-edition WFIYW tee and a roll of show-approved duct tape! Winner will be chosen by random and notified via email. Go to https://wefixeditpod.com/survey/ to share your thoughts and enter. Survey closes March 17, 2025 so enter now!In this episode of "We Fixed It, You're Welcome" the hosts tackle the complex issue of healthcare reform, comparing the integrated model of Kaiser Permanente with Mexico's private healthcare system. Guest Eduardo Verboonen Khoury, co-president of Hospitales Mac, shares insights on delivering high-quality care at lower costs through innovative practices and incentives. The discussion explores topics such as technology integration, billing efficiency, doctor accessibility, and preventive care. The panel debates whether elements of Mexico's private healthcare model could be applied to improve systems in the US and Canada, addressing challenges like wait times, cost transparency, and doctor shortages. While not claiming to have all the answers, the conversation highlights actionable insights for healthcare improvement across borders.Challenges in US HealthcareDiscussion of soaring costs, uneven access, and bureaucracy in the US healthcare system.Comparison with Mexico's private systems like Hospitales Mac, offering quality care at lower costs.Hospitales Mac's ApproachEduardo explains the company's mission to provide high-quality, affordable healthcare.Focus on efficiency, flexibility, and maintaining high-quality standards.Innovative Cost-Saving StrategiesDirect negotiations with suppliers and providers to reduce costs.In-house construction and real estate management for hospitals.Emphasis on repairing and refurbishing equipment instead of replacing.Technology Integration in HealthcareUse of AI in CAD labs to optimize procedures and reduce costs.Streamlined billing processes with insurance companies, reducing claim closure time.Doctor Incentives and AccessibilityImplementation of a call role system for doctors to ensure quick access for patients.Building medical towers adjacent to hospitals for improved doctor accessibility.Preventive Care and Future ChallengesAcknowledgment of the need to improve preventive care in Mexico.Discussion on scalability challenges for both Hospitales Mac and Kaiser Permanente.Comparison with US and Canadian Healthcare SystemsExploration of how Hospitales Mac's model could potentially address issues in US and Canadian healthcare.Discussion on the possibility of integrating private healthcare models with public systems.Key Takeaways and Future OutlookEmphasis on continuous improvement and innovation in healthcare delivery.Potential for cross-border learning and adaptation of successful healthcare strategies.__________________Disclaimer:A quick disclaimer. We are going into this somewhat cold and nothing we say should be construed as legal advice, financial advice or anything that would get us in trouble. These are our views and opinions. We're here to ask the kinds of questions everyone's thinking. Have an engaging conversation and maybe come to some conclusions that we feel are worth exploring.By the end, if we fixed it, you're welcome. All trademarks, IP and brand elements discussed are property of their respective owners.Music by Milo W.Produced by Straight Forward Media Group