In this episode, we welcome Rachel McLaughlin, REBC®, VP of Business Development for a pharmacy benefit manager (PBM). Throughout our conversation, Rachel delves into the complexities of the healthcare system, exploring topics ranging from direct primary care (DPC) to the challenges posed by pharmaceutical costs. With her extensive experience and unique perspective, Rachel sheds light on the intricacies of healthcare delivery and emphasizes the pressing need for innovation and advocacy. Join us as Rachel unravels the nuances of healthcare, offering insights and potential pathways to mitigate cost burdens and enhance patient care.

Key Takeaways from this Episode:

• Direct Primary Care (DPC) offers personalized, holistic healthcare solutions that transcend conventional models.

• Primary care physicians, like Dr. Nikila Schroeder, often possess specialized expertise, allowing for targeted treatment approaches within the realm of primary care.

• Innovative treatments such as sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) hold promise in addressing chronic conditions like severe allergies.

• Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs) play a crucial role in managing pharmaceutical costs, with transparency and clinical guarantees being key differentiators.

• Policy shifts, such as those post-ACA, have led to unintended consequences, including escalating pharmaceutical costs and accessibility challenges.

• Advocacy efforts are essential in driving systemic change and exploring innovative solutions, such as international drug sourcing, to mitigate healthcare cost burdens.

Rachel McLaughlin can be contacted via Linkedin @rachelmclauchlin/

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