AIRED: November 9, 2020
SPECIAL GUEST: Cynthia A. Fisher
The coronavirus has amplified our need to have real-time, complete access to our electronic health information as the use of telemedicine increases. The virus has pushed the government and insurance companies to finally recognize the value of telemedicine, and reimburse doctors for these visits – a great step forward. Telemedicine allows patients to receive care at home where they can’t spread their illness, or be exposed to other ill patients in doctor’s offices or emergency rooms. It’s affordable, effective, and helps keep doctors out of harm’s way, too.
But for telemedicine to work best, especially during the telemedicine, patients and their physicians need easy access to patients’ complete medical information. With access to entire electronic health records on their smartphones, patients can share their records with physicians, caregivers, and family members anywhere at any time.
According to Cynthia Fisher, founder and chairman of Patients’ Rights Advocates (patientsrightsadvocates.org) this is our moment in time, where we are at a crossroads where we either deliver to America a free market or medicare for all. As lawmakers call for a fourth coronavirus relief bill, Congress has an opportunity to cement rules that 91 percent of Americans want – ones that will make complete price transparency the law. Requiring hospitals and insurers to reveal their cash and secret negotiated prices will not only empower patients by putting them in charge but will also help employers and workers.
A price-transparent system will allow employers to shop for the best health care at the lowest price for employee plans. This transparency will usher in competition, pour sunlight on the dark swamp of health care, and create a functional market – expanding choice, improving quality, and driving down costs. It will put more money in consumers’ pockets, and let employers put what they save in health care toward creating more jobs and giving more raises.
A Phase IV stimulus package is in the works. It is our hope that this time Congress will listen to what 91 percent of Americans want, despite how much money they get paid to vote otherwise
ABOUT CYNTHIA A. FISHER
Cynthia A. Fisher is the founder and chairman of Patients Rights Advocate.org. She is a life sciences entrepreneur, independent investor, and corporate board director. She founded WaterRev, LLC to invest in novel technologies that enable sustainable practices in water use. She serves on the public company boards of The Boston Beer Company (SAM) and Easterly Government Properties, Inc. (DEA).
Cynthia is best known for her pioneering work as Founder and CEO of ViaCord, Inc., a leading umbilical cord blood stem cell banking service which she started in 1993. In 2000, she co-founded and was President of the cellular medicines company, ViaCell, Inc. (VIAC) Previously to founding ViaCord, Cynthia ran the Blood Bank Division of Haemonetics Corporation, a medical equipment manufacturer. She began her career in sales at IBM focusing on healthcare IT, insurance, and defense industries.
Cynthia holds an MBA from Harvard Business School, as well as an Honorary Doctorate of Science and BS in Biophysics from Ursinus College.
