I am a physician and behavioral scientist at Duke University. My newest book, Sick to Debt (Yale University Press), explores the challenges of shared decision making between doctors and patients. My research and writing explores the quirks in human nature that influence our lives
$10 Short? No Health Insurance For You
Some people's insurance plans change from free to $5 or $10/month. That small difference is enough for many of them to lose coverage.
Complaining Of Chronic Pain Doesn’t Make You A Complainer
Neuroscience research proves that people with chronic pain have hypersensitive pain pathways in their brains.
Work Requirements For Safety Net Programs – They’re Not Working
Anyone who has raised kids knows what happens when you give them a monthly allowance without requiring any work in return: they plop in front of their new videogame co...
People With Chronic Pain Deserve Better Than To Be Told There’s Nothing Wrong
If you have chronic pain, your doctors should identify ways to calm down your brain’s reaction to painful stimuli rather than tell you you're fine.
Medicare Drug Coverage Is Often Inadequate—Here’s Why
She learned that she would have to try, and "fail," on two other drugs before Medicare would cover the new one.
Paying Too Much For Healthcare? Your Boss Might Be To Blame
Self-insured employers pay more for medical care because they do not negotiate successfully with insurers.
Getting A Colonoscopy? Ask Your Doctor About Using An AI Copilot
Lower detection of polyps leads to higher rates of subsequent colon cancer. Artificial intelligence may improve the situation
If RFK Jr Messes With Medicare Payments, Physicians Will Fight Back
RFK Jr., Trump's pick to lead HHS, says he wants to reform the way Medicare pays physicians. But adjusting fees isn't likely to make much difference. Here's why.
Can A Positive Attitude Prevent Colds? Your Race Could Influence The Answer
A recent study found a surprising connection between stress, race and the common cold.
Experts Split On Whether Breast, Lung, And Prostate Cancer Screening Saves Lives
Screening tests are designed to find cancers or precancers before they become lethal. But are prostate, lung, and breast screening tests working?