Medical Economics Pulse, Feb. 28, 2025: Physician suicide, pandemic misinformation and prescription spikes, AI's role in prior authorization and clinical judgement

Hello and welcome to Medical Economics Pulse, a quick-hitting news podcast that keeps busy physicians in the know. We offer concise updates on the most important developments affecting your practice, your bottom line, and the broader health care landscape, delivered to you by our editorial team at Medical Economics.

It’s February 28, 2025, and here are today’s headlines:

A new report found that one in six physicians in the United States have contemplated suicide, and 38% personally knew one or more colleagues who had considered, or attempted, suicide. Burnout, administrative burdens, and the emotional toll of patient care are driving many to the breaking point. Yet, stigma remains a barrier to seeking help, and many physicians may have a lack of trust in employer-provided mental health resources. What’s the solution? Systemic change. Advocates say reducing bureaucratic overload, improving work-life balance, and normalizing mental health care for doctors must be priorities.

Next up, during the COVID-19 pandemic, prescriptions for ivermectin and hydroxychloroquine skyrocketed, despite limited evidence of efficacy. Fear, misinformation, and patient demand placed physicians in difficult positions balancing medical ethics with autonomy. This trend highlights a broader challenge: How do doctors ensure evidence-based medicine prevails in an era of viral misinformation and growing distrust in scientific institutions? Researchers suggest clearer guidelines and better public health communication are key.

Finally, artificial intelligence, or AI, is revolutionizing medicine, but not without concerns. Physicians warn that AI-driven decision-making may erode clinical judgment. It also could increase prior authorization denials, long a source of frustration for physicians and a hurdle to timely treatment. While AI can enhance efficiency, over-reliance could reduce physician autonomy and patient-centered care. The key is balance. The American Medical Association has called for physicians to leverage AI as a tool, not a decision-maker, to enhance patient health.

And that’s it for today’s Medical Economics Pulse. Be sure to subscribe for new episodes, and read more health business news and expert content at MedicalEconomics.com. Be sure to subscribe to our premiere podcast, “Off the Chart, A Business of Medicine Podcast,” which features lively and informative conversations with health care experts, opinion leaders, and practicing physicians about the challenges facing doctors and medical practices.

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