Personalizing Healthcare: Diagnostic Testing and Patient Empowerment
Ever wondered why getting the right treatment can feel like a game of trial and error? In this episode of the YMyHealth Podcast, Co-Host Melissa Schenkman talks with Hannah Mamuszka, CEO and founder of Alva10, who explains how smarter diagnostic testing can help you get answers sooner—and make more informed decisions about your health. Hannah unpacks the complexities of the healthcare system and highlights the critical role of diagnostic testing in personalized medicine.
🎧Listen now to learn how patients can take control of their health decisions despite systemic barriers and discover how a smarter use of diagnostic tests can save time, money, and improve outcomes for both patients and the healthcare system.
Highlights:
(00:00) Introduction to the healthcare system and diagnostics
(03:57) The gap in diagnostic testing and healthcare costs
(08:07) The problem with trial and error medicine
(12:08) Misaligned incentives in healthcare and insurance
(15:54) How patients can advocate for better care
(19:59) Understanding insurance plans and coverage
(21:55) Shopping for diagnostic tests and procedures
(24:06) The importance of genetic testing and personalized medicine
(25:56) How to navigate the medication approval and step therapy process
(27:47) Strategies for dealing with insurance denials
(29:48) The future of healthcare and diagnostics
(32:01) Resources and tools for patients
(34:04) The role of employers and HR in healthcare choices
(36:11) Legislation and policies affecting healthcare costs
(37:52) How to be an informed healthcare consumer
(39:48) The importance of price shopping for tests
(41:51) The impact of healthcare costs on patients
(43:56) Empowering patients through knowledge and questions
(46:08) Upcoming projects and podcasts from Alva10
(47:58) Closing remarks and key takeaways
Links:
Are you a millennial interested in learning more about healthcare issues specifically related to your generation? Start here: https://www.ymyhealth.com/ and follow us on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/ymyhealth_/
Learn more about this episode's guest, CEO and Founder of Alva10, Hannah Mamouska here.
**Learn more her company, Alva10 at: https://alva10dx.com/about
**Hannah's Sources for Finding the Best Prices for CT Scans, MRIs and More:
https://www.healthcostlabs.com/
https://www.carepriceguide.com
https://fairhealthconsumer.org
Interested in sponsoring the YMyHealth podcast? We'd love to partner with brands and organizations that align with our mission of providing healthcare education to millennials. Contact us at ymyhealthpodcast@gmail.com for sponsorship opportunities.
**Thank You to Our Sponsors**
Dr. Sarah Diekman, Director of Diekman Dysautonomia! If you’d like to learn more about our sponsor and her practice that provides care to patients with POTS and Long COVID, go to https://dysautonomiaexpert.com
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