Rachel Strauss, the self-described ‘PBM Princess,’ is also the Vice President of Strategy for EHIM powered by ProCare. Rachel shares her unique journey into pharmacy benefit management (PBM), a field many may not be familiar with. With a love of pink and glitter and a passion for making the PBM world more approachable, Rachel explains the value of PBMs and how she was introduced to this role.

DISCLAIMER: This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical or health advice. This podcast does not substitute medical treatment. Always consult a doctor or dermatologist regarding medical advice, diagnoses, or treatment.

A Pharmacy Benefit Manager is an intermediary between health insurers, pharmacies, and drug manufacturers. They manage prescription drug benefits for health plans, negotiating prices and determining which medications are covered. Rachel explains that most people are unaware of PBMs and their significance, often assuming that their health insurance provider is solely responsible for their prescription coverage. In reality, many insurance companies outsource their pharmacy benefits to PBMs, which handle the logistics of drug pricing and distribution.

For patients navigating the complexities of their pharmacy benefits, Rachel offers several strategies:

1. Understand your plan and familiarize yourself with the company's health insurance plan and the specific pharmacy benefits it offers. This includes knowing who the PBM is and what medications are covered.
2. Communicate with HR or Brokers if you need clarification on your coverage.
3. Explore Cost-Saving Options like international drug options or patient assistance programs. Many manufacturers offer assistance regardless of income level, which can help patients afford their medications.
4. Be Proactive: Patients should take the initiative and seek clarification about their medications, especially regarding prior authorizations and potential out-of-pocket costs.

This episode is produced by Skip The Boring Stuff, a podcast strategy company for small business owners.

Dr. Zehra Murthy, the founder and lead scientist of Belfiore Herbal, is a passionate advocate for using natural, plant-based ingredients in skincare products. Her extensive cellular and molecular biology background has deepened her understanding of how these ingredients can benefit the skin at a cellular level, promoting overall health without the adverse effects of synthetic chemicals.

DISCLAIMER: This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical or health advice. This podcast does not substitute medical treatment. Always consult a doctor or dermatologist regarding medical advice, diagnoses, or treatment.

Dr. Murthy emphasizes that the skin is the body's largest organ, and maintaining health is crucial for enhancing inner beauty and confidence. She points out that many conventional skincare products contain synthetic chemicals that can potentially harm the skin by mutating genes or causing other long-term damage. In contrast, her formulations are designed to be free from these harmful substances, relying instead on the natural properties of plants.

The key ingredients used in many Belfiore Herbal products are lavender, turmeric, sunflower oil, vitamins A and C, calendula, ashwagandha, and shea butter.

Dr. Murthy's commitment to using clean, plant-based ingredients stems from her extensive cellular and molecular biology background. Zehra advocates avoiding synthetic chemicals and animal-derived products, which can harm the skin and overall health. Instead, her formulations focus on physiologic oils that nourish the skin rather than merely sitting on its surface.

Dr. Zehra Murthy's commitment to natural ingredients extends beyond product formulation and encompasses ethical considerations. She sources shea butter from women farmers in Ghana, ensuring that 20% of the profits are reinvested to support these communities. This approach not only promotes sustainability but also empowers women in agriculture.

This episode is produced by Skip The Boring Stuff, a podcast strategy company for business owners.

Dr. Ramiz Hamid’s early exposure to medicine because of his brother's health issues inspired him to become a doctor and surgeon. Dr. Hamid shares the intricate process of Mohs surgery, from the initial biopsy to the final reconstruction. Patients who qualify for Mohs surgery undergo a thorough evaluation to determine the best course of treatment based on factors such as tumor location and aggressiveness. Interestingly, this surgery does not take a set amount of time because the process evolves once the surgeon begins to remove the cancer.

DISCLAIMER: This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical or health advice. This podcast does not substitute medical treatment. Always consult a doctor or dermatologist regarding medical advice, diagnoses, or treatment.

In addition to the surgical aspect of Mohs surgery, Dr. Hamid shares the crucial role of reconstruction for skin cancer patients. Each Mohs surgeon works closely with the patient to design a reconstruction plan that restores the skin's appearance and preserves its function, utilizing plastic and reconstructive surgical techniques to minimize scarring and enhance the overall aesthetic result for patients.

Mr. Ramiz Hamid is also involved with the Treatment iTASC's efforts to bridge the gap in access to care for underserved patients with aggressive skin cancers, which are commendable. By offering free Mohs surgery treatment through a network of volunteer surgeons, the organization significantly impacts the lives of individuals who would otherwise struggle to afford or access this essential medical care. iTASC's commitment to expanding its services to reach more regions and eventually becoming a nationwide platform demonstrates its dedication to addressing the unmet needs of vulnerable populations facing skin cancer.

This episode is produced by Skip The Boring Stuff, a podcast strategy company for small business owners.