Dear John,

ICYMI, Christopher Cai appeared on A Health Podyssey to discuss his recent paper that explores the challenges posed by private equity acquisitions in health care delivery and the opportunities for policy to protect patients in this new era of private equity provider ownership.

‘Just Get A Hysterectomy’

In the May issue of Health Affairs, Joyvina Evans of Howard University documents her experience as an African American woman with uterine fibroids. 

During a routine follow-up appointment, her reproductive endocrinologist recommended that she “just get a hysterectomy” to address her recurring fibroids, despite her desire to preserve her fertility. 

After finding a new provider, Evans learns that she has other options available and that a hysterectomy wouldn’t be the necessary route. 

African American women are more likely to experience uterine fibroids than White women, and are more likely to undergo hysterectomies and less likely to explore alternative treatments. 

Evans recommends that providers offer patients counseling and a complete understanding of the long-term implications of all treatment options.

Health Affairs launched its second annual You’re A Health Policy Wonk If… contest and today is your last day to send in your submission.

The premise is simple. Finish the statement “You’re A Health Policy Wonk If…”

Besides honor, the first-place winner will receive a free online journal subscription for a year.

Remember, today is your last day to submit.

Check out last year's submissions to get inspired before submitting your entry!

Obesity Medications & What You'll Pay For Them — If You Can Get Them w/ Stacie Dusetzina

Health Affairs' Jeff Byers talks with Stacie Dusetzina of Vanderbilt University about the current state of medications used to treat obesity like Ozempic, the likelihood of insurance coverage, their costs, drug shortages, and how to ensure this medication finds its way to patients.

The June 2024 issue of Health Affairs focuses on the topic "Reimagining Public Health."

In this issue, contributors set out to answer an important question: What might it look like to reimagine public health care and the systems that support the health of the community?

You are invited to join us on Wednesday, June 5, from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. (Eastern), for a virtual forum at which authors will present their work, engage in discussions, and answer questions on important issues.

Health Affairs Reads: What Insecticide-Treated Mosquito Nets Can Tell Us About The State Of Global Health

Megan Schmidt-Sane

It is Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Month, and we are proud to elevate AANHPIs who work to advance health equity and policy.

In an April 2024 article, Carter Nakamoto and coauthors explore the association of greater telemedicine use across health systems with utilization, spending, and quality.