Physicians across the country were disgusted when we realized that the leader of the free world, who should have the very best healthcare available, was mismanaged. We learned that Joe Biden had prostate cancer because Jill Biden was the one who said, “Joe you’re getting up seven times a night to pee. I am taking you to Jeff (Thomas Jefferson Hospital)) in Philly to find out what’s wrong“. This is such a perfect example, though unfortunate, to prove the disaster of directives by the government for your healthcare. The attention to screening was taken away when Dr. Zeke Emmanuel brought his own biases into the program and crafted Obamacare. Read his opinion in the Atlantic at his age of 55 and then again at 65 when he doubled down. He does not believe we should work or seek aggressive healthcare after the age of 75 because, well, you’re slowing down and it’s really not worth it. The American Geriatric association blasted him and now I wonder if he still would refuse all care “allowing nature to take its course after 75” since his father died at 92! Therefore, believe it or not, we in healthcare, even the incompetent doctor at the White House, were advised to stop screening by a doctor with personal arrogance that impacted us all even our past President! This is why no one tested Biden’s PSA after that age and how he was allowed to develop widely metastatic to bone prostate cancer instead of having treatment in an earlier stage. Colonoscopies are stretched out. They used to be yearly than every three years than every five years and you could see where this is going until finally companies caught on and developed the stick on or the stool tests so you could find it for yourself. Here’s the thing about that. Only a colonoscopy could remove a pre-cancerous polyp and avoid colon cancer altogether. Another screening, mammograms were recommended every other year, and not past 70 or after outcry, 80. Well many of my friends, family, patients with breast cancer know how much trouble you can get into within a year with an aggressive breast cancer. We started 5K runs and fundraisers in my town in Pennsylvania to fund free mammograms for patients without insurance. We stepped into the abyss when people who “had your interest at heart with better healthcare“ failed. I opened my clinics twice a year to free prostate exams with psa blood tests and the turnout was tremendous.


Again and again I have seen where we are going with this. They make it very clear that we cannot afford to give everyone everything all the time. Then tell you that oh you just don’t need it. I was in the pharmacy this week and a woman in her fifties was lamenting to the pharmacist that her pap tests are not covered or “ needed” who do you think we treated for years even into their 80’s? Now Kaiser Permananti has development a do it yourself swab at home (no exam ! But better than nothing ) Don’t tell me that these directives are to benefit us……not at all. They are to reduce costs …period.

The reason I am on fire today is because, while I avoid discussing politics on this site, the concept of “universal healthcare” I have actually witnessed. There are countries who provide a baseline “healthcare” that, trust me, is very very basic. There are long, long years and months of waiting for any care, a joint replacement? Three years. Testing, chemo and radiation for cancer, up to a year. Do you think they’re going to send you for genetic testing and retest your biopsy for special genes that will allow you to get the most cutting edge therapy that’s now being developed? No. I have seen my entire career people come to the US for care with cash in hand. As a resident in a Philly University hospital, the owner of a soccer team came from Italy with his body guard and surgeon, pulled out a roll of money and asked the receptionist, “ how much?” They come from Canada, from England, Ireland, from Spain, even from Australia, places where I know well having worked for a company in those countries, people will get care here and quickly, but be on long waiting list for minimal care there. It is a two tier system no one is telling you that. You will pay out-of-pocket again and again for anything that you want if you are not permitted to have your own health insurance. There is a safety net in the US and it is called Medicaid. Universal “free” will bankrupt the system for Medicare patients and severely limit what you can get and when you can get it.

For years, I’ve encouraged people to get the very best insurance they can afford. Even these insurances have started to put in controls and authorizations which are going to become more difficult when they start using AI instead of speaking to a real person.

Bottom line, get your screenings, even if you have to pay for the test. I would tell patients to pay for the $60 mammogram. I said you pay for a dress why not something that could save your life ? Don’t let someone else with their fake, smug, we know best plan that sounds great but does not benefit you, replace your own involvement. Please pay attention, this is important and I am still a Doc who is devoted to getting the very best for you. Refuse to be duped. You are smart, savvy but “ experts” want power not care for you. Stay aware. My interest as a patient advocate, is to find your cancer early, make use of the valuable screenings, treat while treatable, find the most cutting edge options being actively rolled out and then to send you on your way to an amazing full, productive life you have yet to lead and certainly deserve.