Healthcare Americana

In this episode of Healthcare Americana, Christopher Habig talks with Colton Storla about why employer health plans keep getting more expensive and why most companies never get clear answers. Colton explains how the renewal process works and how hidden incentives, lack of transparency, and multiple middlemen continue to drive costs higher without improving care. The discussion also explores a better path forward, highlighting how employers can take control by using clear data, building direct relationships with providers, and adding options like direct primary care. This episode challenges business leaders to rethink how they buy healthcare, and shows how a simpler and more intentional approach can lower costs and improve care for employees.More on Freedom Healthworks & FreedomDoc HealthSubscribe at https://healthcareamericana.com/More on Colton Storla & North Risk PartnersFollow Healthcare Americana: Instagram & LinkedIN

In this episode of Healthcare Americana, host Christopher Habig speaks with Matt Ohrt, the new Executive Director of the Free Market Medical Association (FMMA), about the future of free market healthcare in America. They discuss how price transparency, direct primary care, and employer-driven health plans can lower costs and improve access to quality care. Matt explains why rising healthcare costs are driven by broken payment systems, not better medicine, and how employers can use their buying power to demand fair, upfront pricing. The conversation also highlights the growing grassroots movement of independent physicians, surgery centers, and business leaders who are working to restore competition and choice in healthcare. If you care about affordable healthcare, physician freedom, and real reform that works in practice, this episode outlines a clear and practical path forward.More on Freedom Healthworks & FreedomDoc HealthSubscribe at https://healthcareamericana.com/More on Matt Ohrt & FMMAFollow Healthcare Americana: Instagram & LinkedIN

In this episode of Healthcare Americana, host Christopher Habig sits down with Kathy Giusti, two-time cancer survivor and founder of the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation. Kathy explains why patients must adopt a "CEO mindset" to navigate the complexities of the American healthcare system. From the evolution of precision medicine to the life-saving power of self-advocacy, she shares how she transformed her personal battle into a global mission for better medical research. Tune in to learn how to take control of your health journey, build a support community, and leverage the latest advancements in immunotherapy to improve patient outcomes.More on Freedom Healthworks & FreedomDoc HealthSubscribe at https://healthcareamericana.com/More on Kathy Giusti, Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation, Fatal to FearlessFollow Healthcare Americana: Instagram & LinkedIN

In this episode of Healthcare Americana, host Christopher Habig sits down with Sierra Lavallee, head of marketing at Freedom Healthworks, to explain why smart, strategic marketing is one of the most important factors in building a successful direct primary care practice. They discuss how marketing helps connect the right patients with the right doctors, why visibility and education matter more than ever in today’s consumer-driven healthcare environment, and how physicians can market themselves without sacrificing professionalism. From branding and websites to social media, community engagement, and patient follow-up, this conversation breaks down practical, real-world marketing strategies that help DPC clinics grow from an idea into a thriving, patient-centered business.More on Freedom Healthworks & FreedomDoc HealthSubscribe at https://healthcareamericana.com/More on Sierra LavalleeFollow Healthcare Americana: Instagram & LinkedIN

In this episode of Healthcare Americana, host Christopher Habig talks with neurosurgeon and healthcare policy leader Dr. Anthony DiGiorgio about the growing crisis around prior authorizations. They discuss how complicated approval processes delay urgent care, burden physicians, and put patients at risk. Dr. DiGiorgio explains why smarter, low-friction models such as gold-carding and stronger subspecialty board oversight could help rebuild trust between physicians and payers. The conversation also covers the 340B drug discount program, which Dr. DiGiorgio has testified about before Congress. He explains how a program originally designed to help low-income patients has become a major revenue source for large hospital systems and often increases costs for Medicaid, Medicare, and private insurance. Together, they offer a clear and accessible look at what is broken in these systems and what meaningful reform could achieve.More on Freedom Healthworks & FreedomDoc HealthSubscribe at https://healthcareamericana.com/More on Dr. Anthony DiGiorgioFollow Healthcare Americana: Instagram & LinkedIN

In this episode of Healthcare Americana, host Christopher Habig talks with Tim Hirsch, COO of ShareWELL Partners, about health sharing as a practical and affordable alternative to traditional health insurance. Tim explains how health shares work, why they often cost much less than insurance premiums, and how combining a health share with a DPC or FreedomDoc membership can help protect families from major medical expenses. They also cover common misconceptions, pre-existing condition rules, and the steps members take if they need surgery or face an unexpected health event.More on Freedom Healthworks & FreedomDoc HealthSubscribe at https://healthcareamericana.com/More on ShareWELLFollow Healthcare Americana: Instagram & LinkedIN

In this episode of Healthcare Americana, host Christopher Habig talks with Tony Cerna, family nurse practitioner and founder of Progressive Healthcare DPC in Tampa, Florida. After 27 years in traditional medicine, Tony left the insurance-driven system to create a clinic focused on time, trust, and personalized care. He shares how direct primary care empowers patients through longer visits, honest conversations, and education that leads to lasting health improvements. Discover how Tony is making healthcare more affordable, holistic, and human again.More on Freedom Healthworks & FreedomDoc HealthSubscribe at https://healthcareamericana.com/More on Tony Cerna & Progressive Healthcare DPCFollow Healthcare Americana: Instagram & LinkedIN

In this episode of Healthcare Americana, Christopher Habig talks with David Foucachon and Dr. Matthew Abraham from Veritas Surgery in Idaho about how they deliver world-class surgical care without the limits of a traditional hospital. They explain how Veritas brings together independent surgeons, partners with existing surgical centers, and offers transparent, direct-pay pricing that helps patients, doctors, and facilities. The conversation also covers the real challenges of negotiating facility fees, finding new surgeons, and expanding this model across the Northwest. This episode shows how breaking free from hospital monopolies can make surgery more efficient, affordable, and focused on patients.More on Freedom Healthworks & FreedomDoc HealthSubscribe at https://healthcareamericana.com/More on David Foucachon, Dr. Matthew Abraham & Veritas SurgeryFollow Healthcare Americana: Instagram & LinkedIN

In this episode of Healthcare Americana, host Christopher Habig welcomes back Amanda Compton, Manager of Client Services at Freedom Healthworks, for another behind-the-scenes look at how DPC physicians reclaim their most valuable resource...time. Christopher and Amanda dive into the daily realities of Direct Primary Care and how this model allows physicians to take back control of their schedules, reduce administrative stress, and reconnect with their patients. They also share stories of doctors who have found more balance, freedom, and fulfillment after moving away from the traditional insurance system. Their conversation highlights how Direct Primary Care isn’t just changing how doctors practice, but how patients experience healthcare.More on Freedom Healthworks & FreedomDoc HealthSubscribe at https://healthcareamericana.com/Follow Healthcare Americana: Instagram & LinkedIN

In this episode of Healthcare Americana, host Christopher Habig speaks with Dr. Lahnor Powell of Genova Diagnostics about how advanced functional testing is transforming care in direct primary care and membership medicine. They discuss how Genova goes beyond traditional lab work to uncover the root causes of issues in areas like hormones, gut health, metabolism, and nutrition, while also providing physicians with practical tools, clear reporting, and clinician support. The conversation explores how this approach saves time, reduces trial and error, improves consistency for patients in membership models, and positions Genova at the forefront of innovation in personalized medicine.More on Freedom Healthworks & FreedomDoc HealthSubscribe at https://healthcareamericana.com/More on Dr. Lahnor Powell & Genova DiagnosticsFollow Healthcare Americana: Instagram & LinkedIN

In this episode of Healthcare Americana, host Christopher Habig sits down with Trace Voshell, Chief Revenue Officer at GoGoMeds. They discuss how direct mail-order pharmacy is transforming the patient experience by making medications more affordable, accessible, and reliable. Trace explains how DPC practices can integrate pharmacy services without the burden of managing in-house dispensing, giving physicians more freedom to focus on care while still offering patients lower-cost prescriptions. Together, they highlight how this model improves outcomes, reduces costs, and creates new opportunities for independent practices to thrive. Tune in to learn why mail-order pharmacy is becoming a powerful partner for both doctors and patients in the future of healthcare.More on Freedom Healthworks & FreedomDoc HealthSubscribe at https://healthcareamericana.com/More on Trace Voshell & GoGoMedsFollow Healthcare Americana: Instagram & LinkedIN

In this episode of Healthcare Americana, host Christopher Habig sits down with Dr. Marion Mass, pediatrician and co-founder of Practicing Physicians of America, to uncover widespread fraud and abuse in the Medicare Advantage program. They break down how insurers use practices like upcoding, assigning patients exaggerated or false diagnoses, to collect billions in taxpayer dollars each year, with UnitedHealthcare highlighted as a major offender. Dr. Mass explains the systemic conflicts of interest, lack of accountability, and the urgent need for audits, penalties, and transparency to protect both patients and federal budgets. The conversation also highlights the importance of informed healthcare choices and explores how direct care models offer a more sustainable alternative. This episode is a must-listen for anyone concerned about Medicare, insurance oversight, and the integrity of America’s healthcare system.More on Freedom Healthworks & FreedomDoc HealthSubscribe at https://healthcareamericana.com/More on Dr. Marion Mass & Practicing Physicians of AmericaFollow Healthcare Americana: Instagram & LinkedIN

In this episode of Healthcare Americana, host Christopher Habig talks with Dr. Shannon Decker, CEO of VBC One, about what value-based care (VBC) really means and how it differs from traditional fee-for-service models. Dr. Decker explains that VBC focuses on prevention, quality measures, total cost of care, and accurate risk adjustment. She discusses payment approaches like capitation with quality bonuses and highlights the practical needs for success, including strong EMR documentation, risk coding, clinician and patient engagement, interoperable data, and effective workflows. The conversation also covers pitfalls such as underreported chronic conditions, challenges with global risk contracts like ACO REACH, and the importance of contract protections and ongoing education. Dr. Decker emphasizes that with the right systems and trust between clinicians and patients, value-based care can improve outcomes and reduce costs, but it requires careful planning and implementation.More on Freedom Healthworks & FreedomDoc HealthSubscribe at https://healthcareamericana.com/More on Dr. Shannon Decker & VBC OneFollow Healthcare Americana: Instagram & LinkedIN

In this episode of Healthcare Americana, host Christopher Habig talks with Dr. Mala Kaul, a board-certified rheumatologist, about the growing crisis in autoimmune care. With too few specialists and rising patient demand, Dr. Kaul explains how rushed appointments and broken incentives are hurting patients. She also explains why early detection, lifestyle changes, and better coordination with primary care are key to improving outcomes. Dr. Kaul also shares why she believes direct specialty care could be the future of autoimmune treatment, giving doctors more time with patients and leading to better results.More on Freedom Healthworks & FreedomDoc HealthSubscribe at https://healthcareamericana.com/Follow Healthcare Americana: Instagram & LinkedIN

In this episode of Healthcare Americana, host Christopher Habig speaks with Shannon Biergans, a longtime nurse practitioner and patient advocate, and John Hsieh, a direct primary care leader, about launching the Michigan chapter of the Free Market Medical Association (FMMA). They discuss how personal experiences and professional frustrations sparked a commitment to healthcare freedom, transparency, and reform. The conversation explores how the FMMA unites diverse stakeholders across healthcare to promote direct primary care, patient advocacy, and community engagement. Shannon and John share grassroots strategies like educational events and employer outreach to grow awareness in Michigan. Together, they emphasize the power of collaboration in building a simpler, more transparent healthcare system.More on Freedom Healthworks & FreedomDoc HealthSubscribe at https://healthcareamericana.com/More on Shannon Biergans, John Hsieh & Free Market Medical AssociationFollow Healthcare Americana: Instagram & LinkedIN

In this episode of Healthcare Americana, host Christopher Habig talks with Dr. Tom DiLorenzo, President of the Mises Institute, about how Austrian economics can help fix America’s broken healthcare system. They explore how government bureaucracy, inflation, cronyism, and rent-seeking drive up costs and reduce quality, while free market principles like competition and innovation offer a path to reform. Dr. DiLorenzo highlights the role of local initiatives, economic education, and grassroots efforts in creating meaningful healthcare change and emphasizes the need to treat healthcare as a market, not a government-run service.More on Freedom Healthworks & FreedomDoc HealthSubscribe at https://healthcareamericana.com/More on Dr. Tom DiLorenzo & Mises InstituteFollow Healthcare Americana: Instagram & LinkedIN

In this episode of Healthcare Americana, host Christopher Habig talks with Charles Sauer, Founder and President of The Market Institute, about site neutrality, the idea that the same medical service should cost the same no matter where it's delivered. They explore how government price-setting and hospital consolidation are driving up costs, limiting patient access, and distorting the healthcare market. The conversation also looks at how past legislation and lobbying have shaped the current system and why now is the right time to push for change.More on Freedom Healthworks & FreedomDoc HealthSubscribe at https://healthcareamericana.com/More on Charles Sauer & The Market InstituteFollow Healthcare Americana: Instagram & LinkedIN

In this episode of Healthcare Americana, host Christopher Habig talks with Andrew Newland, Founder & CEO of Direct Primary Care Marketing, about overcoming marketing paralysis in independent healthcare practices. They discuss why many clinics struggle to establish an online presence and how to build a strong foundation with clear messaging and multi-channel strategies. Andrew emphasizes treating your website as a functional tool, not just a visual asset, and highlights the importance of trust in healthcare marketing. The conversation also covers budgeting, effective ad creation, and turning online engagement into real-world patient visits. It's a practical guide for any DPC provider looking to attract and retain more patients.More on Freedom Healthworks & FreedomDoc HealthSubscribe at https://healthcareamericana.com/More on Andrew Newland & Direct Primary Care MarketingFollow Healthcare Americana: Instagram & LinkedIN

In this episode of Healthcare Americana, host Christopher Habig introduces a new monthly segment, Practice Makes Perfect, featuring Amanda Compton, Client Services Manager at Freedom Healthworks. Amanda brings her on-the-ground insights from managing DPC practices across the country and dives into the crucial role of communication in patient satisfaction and practice success. Plus, learn how patient expectations around accessibility can make or break your DPC practice, and what you can do about it.Key takeaways include:Why "convenient communication" is essential for patient retentionThe dramatic difference timely responses make in converting leads into membersHow practices can create memorable experiences through small but meaningful follow-upsAmanda’s “Operational Gold” tip of the monthMore on Freedom Healthworks & FreedomDoc HealthSubscribe at HealthcareAmericana.comFollow Healthcare Americana: Instagram & LinkedIN