Exposing Hidden Health Costs

What will this cost? It's the big question when it comes to healthcare, and it's often impossible to answer. Health care policy expert David Balat explains how transparent pricing models put patients in control of their healthcare finances, and Kate speaks with Siobhan Benham, a nurse practitioner who explains the patient benefits of Direct Primary Care.  Guest:  David Balat, Healthcare Policy Director for the Texas Public Policy Foundation David Balat is a healthcare finance expert with over twenty years of experience and leadership in the healthcare industry. With his wealth of industry experience, he has served as the healthcare advisor for the Texas House of Representatives and has counseled numerous members of the U.S. Congress on healthcare policy.  Currently, Mr. Balat serves as the Healthcare Policy Director for the Texas Public Policy Foundation, where he leads the Right on Healthcare Initiative, which aims to put patients in control of healthcare decisions through price transparency and expanded healthcare options.  Mr. Balat has worked extensively within executive management positions in the healthcare field. Starting in 2013, Mr. Balat served as the Executive Director of Olive Branch Management Services, where he worked extensively within the healthcare field to improve patient access and processes while decreasing costs. Past experiences also include serving as the President of Torch Recovery Services, Interim CEO of Humble Surgical Hospital, LLC, and CFO of Mobile Diagnostics.  Mr. Balat received a B.S. in biology from the University of Houston, and a joint M.B.A./M.H.A. from the University of Houston Clear Lake.  Hosts: Terry Wilcox, Executive Director, Patients Rising Dr. Robert Goldberg, "Dr. Bob", Co-Founder and Vice President of the Center for Medicine in the Public Interest. Kate Pecora, Field Correspondent  Links: Colorado Changes How Coronavirus Deaths are Counted Right on Healthcare Initiative  Free to Care Hearthside Family Health Patients Rising Concierge  Need help? The successful patient is one who can get what they need when they need it. We all know insurance slows us down, so why not take matters into your own hands. Our Navigator is an online tool that allows you to search a massive network of health-related resources using your zip code so you get local results. Get proactive and become a more successful patient right now at PatientsRisingConcierge.org Have a question or comment about the show, want to suggest a show topic or share your story as a patient correspondent? Drop us a line: [email protected] The views and opinions expressed herein are those of the guest(s)/ author(s) and do not reflect the official policy or position of Patients Rising.