The Medical-Industrial Complex, aka Big Pharma, Problem

[RighteousnessTemperance&]

America’s Broken Health Care: Diagnosis and Prescription

...

Finally, I asked if he was aware that when peer-reviewed articles are published in medical journals—even the most reputable medical journals—the peer reviewers don’t have access to the actual data from the clinical trials being reviewed. And he answered, somewhat meekly, that yes, he was aware of that.
…

Prior to leaving office in 1961, President Eisenhower famously warned the nation about what he called the “military-industrial complex.” I suggest that we now have a medical-industrial complex that is sucking America’s wealth away from the other things that will make us healthier and create better lives for the American people.
...
America’s Broken Health Care: Diagnosis and Prescription​

 

[DaveXR650]

I just read that. It's a good article. I have noticed big time strains in the whole health care system - it is unsustainable. I don't really know any answer and I don't think there is any. I remember in the 90's there was a big survey where they asked people if everyone should have a "right" to good health care and 90% responded "Yes". When they asked if they were willing to pay for it only 10% said "Yes". I don't think things like this can be fixed but they will have to break on their own. And they will.

One thing though if anyone reads the article. The example he uses using the statin drugs - be careful if you're one of the many old guys on the board here. The reason cardiologists overwhelmingly push HIGH dose statins on people, especially those who have had procedures done is that there is anecdotal evidence of fewer fatal cardiac events for those on the high dose statins. Since they are cheap at this point, available generically, and so no longer being pushed by the big drug companies the data is probably at least not deliberately biased. I'm on 'em and staying on them as long as I can tolerate it.

 

[RighteousnessTemperance&]

I just read that. It's a good article. I have noticed big time strains in the whole health care system - it is unsustainable. I don't really know any answer and I don't think there is any. I remember in the 90's there was a big survey where they asked people if everyone should have a "right" to good health care and 90% responded "Yes". When they asked if they were willing to pay for it only 10% said "Yes". I don't think things like this can be fixed but they will have to break on their own. And they will.

One thing though if anyone reads the article. The example he uses using the statin drugs - be careful if you're one of the many old guys on the board here. The reason cardiologists overwhelmingly push HIGH dose statins on people, especially those who have had procedures done is that there is anecdotal evidence of fewer fatal cardiac events for those on the high dose statins. Since they are cheap at this point, available generically, and so no longer being pushed by the big drug companies the data is probably at least not deliberately biased. I'm on 'em and staying on them as long as I can tolerate it.

One of the points of the article is that Americans already overpay for less effective health care compared to other advanced nations. Lack of money isn’t the problem, but rather where it goes.


Yes, don't go by the article for the effectiveness or use of any particular medicine. That would be a misuse of the article. The problem is a general one.

Doctors are stuck with using their own best judgment, because articles in medical journals are often heavily biased with no access to the actual data.

However, going by such articles is not really a good substitute for best judgment.

 

[Earth Wind and Fire]

One of the points of the article is that Americans already overpay for less effective health care compared to other advanced nations. Lack of money isn’t the problem, but rather where it goes.


Yes, don't go by the article for the effectiveness or use of any particular medicine. That would be a misuse of the article. The problem is a general one.

Doctors are stuck with using their own best judgment, because articles in medical journals are often heavily biased with no access to the actual data.

However, going by such articles is not really a good substitute for best judgment.

Oh yes, let’s not be beastly to the Germans… a song the Brits sang in satire after WW2 written by Noel Coward. So let’s not be beastly to the health care industry! Most of them knowing not what they did. And I seriously understand that most people really do believe that lie. “Come On my fellow Americans” wake up & smell the profitable hoax that has been foisted on the worlds stupid population of stupid lab rats in order to wage a non existent pandemic!

On the drive to see relatives yesterday, listening to the radio I heard one of these health care experts explaining an “important” strategy they are rolling out for citizens over 65. If you are over the age or older or stricken with an existing disease blah blah they are still targeting you! So how many in that population are in need of vaccines Mr., Expert gets asked, and his response is “Oh 90-95% are recommended to get the shots.”

Then the follow up, so how many do you anticipate will get them? And the dead pan delivery answer by Mr. Big Shot Health care professional was, “ahhh about 20%. I just laughed! Ya the heck with you guys (profiteers) … and the horse you rode in here on.​