Delayed, Denied, Disillusioned: A Doctor’s Take on U.S. Healthcare

In this episode of The Double Scrub, Dr. Radhika Sharma and Dr. Scott Curtis take a close look at the realities of practicing medicine in a healthcare system that often works against the very people it’s supposed to serve. From the confusion of insurance claims to the delays in referrals and access, they share what it’s really like for both patients and doctors navigating this landscape.

They dive into two major headlines: a Kansas law that could override end-of-life directives during pregnancy, and RFK Jr.’s widely criticized public health report filled with misinformation. These stories open up deeper conversations about patient autonomy, ethical medical care, and the consequences of public distrust in science.

You’ll also hear an important update on cervical cancer—where the numbers stand globally, and what the data tells us about prevention and disparities in care.

It’s not just a critique—it’s a call for change. They explore how concierge medicine and greater transparency can begin to rebuild trust, simplify care, and put patients back at the center.

 

🔑 Takeaways

• The U.S. healthcare system is riddled with red tape, delays, and administrative waste.

• Pregnant patients in Kansas may lose the right to control their own end-of-life care.

• Misinformation—especially from high-profile public figures—erodes public trust and endangers lives.

• Concierge medicine offers a more accessible, prevention-focused, and transparent care model.

• Cervical cancer remains a major global health issue, even as rates drop in the U.S.—prevention saves lives.

• Patients deserve to know who is financially influencing their care.

• Rebuilding trust means better communication, clearer billing, and reclaiming the doctor-patient relationship.

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📊 Spotlight: Cervical Cancer Data

• Global burden (2022): ~660,000 new cases and 350,000 deaths worldwide.

• U.S. projections (2025): 13,360 new diagnoses and ~4,320 deaths (ACS).

• The U.S. has lower incidence rates—but prevention still matters.

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🧩 Mentioned in This Episode

💻 Physician Payment Transparency
Want to know if your doctor is being paid to promote a drug or device?
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