Delaware Health Care Reality

Episode 5 - Navigating Health Care Legislation

Join host Nicholas Biasotto, DO, as he dives into the world of health care legislation with two distinguished guests. In this episode, we welcome Richard Henderson, MD, FACOG, a board-certified Obstetrician/Gynecologist, Chair of the MSD Legislative Committee, and Past President of MSD, along with Kimberly B. Gomes, MPA, Partner at ByrdGomes and a seasoned lobbyist. Together, they explore the crucial role lobbyists play in shaping health care policies in Dover and beyond.
Discover why lobbying is essential for health care professionals and patients alike and get the latest updates on pivotal legislative issues. From SB10 on Prior Authorizations and SB 120 on Primary Care Reform to Education Transparency/Title Misappropriation, Medical Aid in Dying, HB 285 on Medical Marijuana, SB 283 & 185 on Mandatory CME for Alzheimer's, SB 13 on the Protect Medicaid Act of 2024, HB 350 on the Diamond State Hospital Cost Review Board, and SB1 for SB2 on Deadly Weapons – this episode covers it all.
Tune in for an enlightening discussion that underscores the impact of legislation on health care and the importance of advocacy in driving change. Don't miss this opportunity to hear from experts at the forefront of health care policy!

Episode 4 - Understanding Obesity: Health Impacts, Weight Loss Strategies & Eating with Shalini Shah, MD, MPH, ABOM, dipABLM

Dr. Shalini Shah, MD, MPH, ABOM, dipABLM, explores the intricate nature of obesity and its profound effects on one's well-being. In this segment, she offers a thorough examination of how obesity is diagnosed in individuals, as well as the severe health issues and shorter lifespan linked to it. Dr. Shah presents key tactics for altering behaviors to attain lasting weight loss and delves into the psychological components of managing weight. Furthermore, she assesses the wide array of dietary plans on the market today, providing audience members with valuable perspectives and practical guidance for embracing a healthier way of life. Don't miss out on this enlightening conversation that has the potential to revolutionize your approach to health and wellness.

Episode 3 – Prior Authorizations, Where Do I Begin? | Dr. Nicholas Biasotto

Nicholas Biasotto, DO tackles critical issues facing health care in Delaware. In this episode, Dr. Biasotto addresses the contentious topic of prior authorization in medicine.
Prior authorization is a process requiring physicians to obtain approval from insurance companies before certain treatments, medications, or procedures can be administered or prescribed. Dr. Biasotto explores how this practice:
Challenges physician expertise by second-guessing treatment decisions
Causes significant delays in patient care
Imposes substantial administrative burdens on medical practices
Can lead to adverse health outcomes for patients due to treatment delays or denials
The discussion highlights the growing concern among health care professionals about the negative impact of prior authorization on patient care quality, practice efficiency, and overall health care delivery. Dr. Biasotto provides insights into how these processes can undermine the physician-patient relationship and potentially compromise patient health.
This episode offers a professional, in-depth examination of a critical issue affecting both physicians and patients in Delaware, aligning with the podcast's mission to inform listeners about pressing healthcare challenges and innovations in the state.

Episode 1 - Delaware Healthcare Challenges & Solutions | Dr. Nicholas Biasotto & Dr. Robert Varipapa

In the inaugural episode of "Delaware Health Care Reality," Dr. Nicholas Biasotto, a board-certified family medicine physician and past president of the Medical Society of Delaware, delves into key issues facing healthcare in Delaware. Dr. Biasotto shares insights from his extensive experience, discusses the impact of prior authorizations and Obamacare, and highlights the importance of physician engagement in legislative matters. The episode also features an enlightening interview with Dr. Robert Varipapa, the current president of the Medical Society of Delaware, who addresses physician shortages, reimbursement challenges, and the need for educational transparency in health care.

Episode 2: Delaware Health Care Insights with Mark Thompson | Medical Society of Delaware

In the second episode of "Delaware Health Care Reality," Dr. Nick Biasotto welcomes Mark Thompson, Executive Director of the Medical Society of Delaware. Mark discusses his background in health care administration and his journey to becoming the Executive Director. The conversation explores the comprehensive role of the Medical Society in supporting physicians and patients in Delaware. Key topics include non-profit and for-profit initiatives, legislative advocacy, and programs like the VIP initiative for high-risk patients. The episode highlights the importance of physician engagement and the benefits of society membership.