Why Are We Paying More for Worse Health? | ShiftShapers

In this episode of ShiftShapers, host David A. Saltzman welcomes Helene M. Epstein—writer, speaker, and patient advocate behind the Substack series Patient No More. Helene dives deep into America’s epidemic of medical errors, misdiagnoses, and system failures. She breaks down why even the most advanced technology and training haven’t improved patient safety, how profit-driven healthcare puts patients at risk, and—most importantly—what individuals can do to protect themselves and their families.
From shocking statistics about misdiagnosis to the hidden realities of rural hospital closures, Helene provides practical advice and hope for patients who are ready to become their own advocates.

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🔑 Key Takeaways from This Episode

📌 Medical Harm Is Underreported and Overlooked
One in four hospital patients is harmed—and most of those incidents aren’t even recorded. Medical error remains a massive, hidden problem.

📌 Diagnostic Error Is Common—and Dangerous
5–25% of U.S. adults are misdiagnosed each year. The most common errors? Testing failures, insurance barriers, and lack of communication between patients and providers.

📌 The System Is Built for Billing, Not Healing
EMRs, insurance company rules, and corporate healthcare ownership have prioritized profits and paperwork over patients—leaving safety and transparency behind.

📌 Rural and Marginalized Patients Are at Greater Risk
Access to care is shrinking as hospitals close pediatric and maternal units, especially in rural and underserved communities.

📌 Patient Advocacy Is Rising
Helene shares why empowered patients—armed with information, organized records, and second opinions—are the best defense against medical error.

📌 Practical Steps: Protect Yourself
Keep copies of your records, use health portals, seek second opinions, and research providers before major procedures. Being “patient no more” means taking an active role in your own care.

More from Helene M. Epstein

Patient No More is a free Substack by patient advocate Helene M. Epstein, offering practical advice to help you avoid misdiagnosis and medical error. Read her ongoing guide to surviving American healthcare at https://helenemepstein.substack.com/

⏱️ In This Episode

• 00:00 – Why Does U.S. Healthcare Cost So Much and Deliver So Little?\
• 01:00 – What Counts as Medical Error and Harm?
• 03:00 – The Impact on America’s Workforce
• 04:30 – Corporatization and the Decline of Access
• 07:45 – The Prevalence of Diagnostic Errors
• 10:00 – The Role of Insurance in Delaying Proper Treatment
• 12:00 – Medication Errors, Pharmacy Mistakes, and Communication Gaps
• 15:00 – Why Electronic Medical Records Don’t Fix the Problem
• 18:30 – Patient Advocacy, “Patient No More,” and Surviving American Healthcare
• 21:00 – Misdiagnosis in Women, Children, and Marginalized Groups
• 24:30 – The Future of Patient Safety and System Reform