The Doctor's Lounge
Where scalpels meet systems — and physicians say what they really think.
Co-hosted by Dutch Rojas & Anthony DiGiorgio, DO, with Anish Koka, MD, Dan Choi, MD, & Sanat Dixit, MD — candid talks on healthcare policy, reform, physician autonomy & patient care.
The Doctor's Lounge
Side Table: The 340B Dilemma: Who Really Benefits?
📌 Why Listen
Explore the complexities of the 340B program, its impact on healthcare systems, and the implications for both hospitals and independent clinicians. Understand the need for transparency and potential reforms to align the program with its original goals.
👥 Co-Hosts
- Anthony DiGiorgio, DO, MHA – Neurosurgeon, UCSF; health policy researcher
- Anish Koka, MD – Cardiologist, Philadelphia; healthcare policy commentator
📌 Episode Overview
In this episode, the hosts delve into the complexities of the 340B program, exploring its origins, current state, and the implications for hospitals and independent clinicians. They discuss how the program, initially intended to support hospitals serving low-income patients, has evolved into a significant revenue stream for large health systems, often at the expense of independent practices and without clear benefits to the intended beneficiaries. The conversation also touches on potential reforms and the need for greater transparency and accountability.
Episode Links
https://www.healthaffairs.org/content/forefront/340b-drug-pricing-program-capped-safety-net-grant
https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama-health-forum/fullarticle/2821579
💬 Notable Quotes
- "340B was created to help hospitals serving low-income patients."
- "The program has expanded to include 60,000 sites."
- "Hospitals can profit by reselling discounted drugs."
- "Independent clinicians face competitive disadvantages."
- "340B funds are not always used for patient care."
📚 What You’ll Learn
- The origins and current state of the 340B program.
- How hospitals leverage the program for revenue.
- The competitive disadvantages faced by independent clinicians.
- The lack of transparency in fund usage.
- Potential reforms to align the program with its original goals.
⏱ The Episode (Timestamps)
- 00:00:00 Introduction to 340B
- 00:03:00 The MRI Discussion
- 00:09:00 340B Program Origins
- 00:18:00 Current State of 340B
- 00:27:00 Implications for Clinicians
- 00:36:00 Calls for Reform
🔗 Connect with the Hosts: