On this episode of the podcast, Terry and Bob discuss new Patients Rising polling showing that Americans are skeptical of European drug price controls and reference pricing. They highlight how Alzheimer’s treatment can follow in the footsteps of HIV/AIDS a generation ago. Just as the development of the therapy AZT helped accelerate new treatments for HIV, the recent approval of Aduhelm can usher in breakthroughs for Alzheimer’s.
They discuss the importance of safety and accuracy of medical equipment, which could threaten patients’ health and safety if improperly repaired. The Right to Repair Act aims to expedite medical device repairs by giving third-party groups access to the original manufacturer’s tools and instructions. But if repair organizations aren’t held to the same FDA safety standards, patients could see poor outcomes or be misdiagnosed. Terry highlights how she backs certifications for third-party repair groups even as a supporter of the free market.
Terry interviews James Nestel of Simon Hegele Healthcare Solutions who explains the work that repair companies do and the importance of FDA regulations that hold them to high standards. He highlights the importance of keeping security and cybersecurity around medical devices controlled. He notes the anecdotal instances of questionable medical equipment servicing by non-certified repair groups that have hurt people. He argues that people don’t understand how necessary proper training is to safe repair. They explain just how important it is to keep medical equipment working correctly.
Patient correspondent Kate Pecora speaks with Erika Hanson Brown, Managing Principal of One Cancer Place, who shares how device accuracy and safety is critical to cancer patient outcomes. She explains what Right to Repair is and notes how there’s currently no regulation on maintaining or repairing medical devices. To address this dangerous status quo, regulations are needed to control all repairs. She discusses how One Cancer Place empowers and educates patients. She argues that patients deserve a seat at the table when it comes to their treatment. And she explains how the patient voice and patient choice are getting stronger.
Listen HERE.
