Fight Back
Episodes
As we enter the fall and winter months, and as cases begin surging again across the country and world, we provide an update on all things COVID-19.
From testing and tracing to the progress the medical community has made developing therapeutics and vaccines to what you and your loved ones can do to protect yourself against the next wave, we will discuss it all with our special guest, Dr. Bob Wachter, MD, Professor and Chair of the De...
Can we eliminate prescription narcotics, even after spinal surgery? It might sound far-fetched, but that is just one of the promises of Holistic Medicine. In this episode, orthopedic spine surgeon Dr. Hooman Melamed joins Fight Back as our special guest. Dr. Melamed is an outspoken advocate of holistic and integrated medicine, the idea that we need to address all aspects of our health for our bodies to be in optimal condition. We d...
Fight Back discusses the important and timely topic of health equity. "Health equity" means that everyone has a fair and equal opportunity to be as healthy as possible. Many factors impact a person's health, including poverty, access to good jobs, education, and housing, to name a few. Health equity advocates have emerged in response to challenges that people of color face while seeking and securing needed treatments fr...
Today, we discuss whether it is possible to negotiate with your local hospital and what that means for you and your bottom line. (Hint: You have options.) We will be joined by special guest Alan Fox, a former hospital CFO, who offers his unique insight on the topic.
America is living through a time of unprecedented demographic change. In the last twenty years, the segment of our population over the age of 65 has increased from 6% to 9%. According to estimates, those over 65 will comprise 17% of the population by 2050. At 65, individuals can join the Medicare healthcare system. But Medicare is complicated, and for many who are about to or have recently turned 65, they face many choices and daun...
There are many reasons why we should pay attention to what we eat. The processed, low-variety foods many of us consume regularly may be convenient and tasty, but they compromise our health. We especially need to pay attention to what we eat when we are sick so we can give our bodies the nutrients it needs to heal. And if you want to be even more deliberate in improving health—perhaps to address a chronic disease or condition—a holi...
Health insurance is critical for individuals and families. When you suddenly lose your health insurance, because of COVID-19 or any other reason, it can feel overwhelming and difficult to determine where to start and what to do. Fortunately, there are many options available. Jenn Moore, Health Net’s chief commercial officer, joins us to talk about how to navigate this complicated and challenging process. For nearly 20 years, Jenn h...
In this episode, Fight Back covers the critically important topic of advanced healthcare directives, a legal document that addresses such end-of-life issues as “do not resuscitate” orders, treatment options, healthcare proxies, and more. In this emotionally powerful conversation, we hear from Kristen, whose husband J.J. was diagnosed with brain cancer at just 34 years old and given a few months to live. With the help of J.J.’s adva...
Most often, healthcare consumers do not know the real cost of health services. Whether it is a bed in a hospital, a prescription drug, or a procedure like an MRI, the price is usually buried beneath government regulations, insurance forms, and confusing terminology.
In this episode, we first hear from John about how a recent brief hospital visit to deal with kidney stones turned into a $20,000 surprise. Fortunately, his insurance pa...
During the COVID-19 pandemic, it is difficult for healthcare patients to obtain their routine, everyday care. We hear from Diannah, whose young son has Cystic Fibrosis. Her family turned to telemedicine to consult with their physicians and meet their medical needs. Barry Jantz, head of the Grossmont Healthcare District in San Diego, will then join us. Barry explains how the Grossmont Hospital has worked to provide patients and the...
Mental Illness Challenges in America: A discussion with NAMI CA Executive Director Jessica Cruz.
Millions of Americans are affected by severe mental illnesses such as bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, mood disorders, and also everyday mental health challenges such as anxiety and stress.
Today, we will discuss the issues surrounding these illnesses and provide valuable information and resources. First, we'll hear from John and how...
Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities—Your Rights and Options: A discussion with Ken Barnes, CEO at Options For All.
Millions of people suffer from autism, epilepsy, cerebral palsy, and intellectual disabilities. In this episode, Ken Barnes talks about growing up with his developmentally disabled twin brother, and the issues that he and his family went through caring for him. Because of that experience, in 2014, Ken volunteer...
COVID-19 & Your Mental Health: A discussion with NAMI CA Executive Director Jessica Cruz.
The coronavirus has brought stress and anxiety to every American. First, we'll hear from Liz and her story about how COVID-19 has impacted her and her family. Then, we will talk with Jessica Cruz, chief executive officer of the California chapter for the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), about how to work through these issues...
Welcome to our kickoff podcast to introduce what Healthcare Consumer Rights Foundation is all about and how we plan to help you navigate the complex healthcare system and to help folks understand their legal rights and options. Each “Fight Back” podcast will tell the personal story of someone who has been tripped up by the healthcare system in some way—insurance claims denied, not getting the referral to a specialist or medical pro...