11-9-20 Allen Cardoza interviews Cynthia A. Fisher

The coronavirus has amplified our need to have real-time, complete access to our electronic health information as the use of telemedicine increases. The virus has pushed the government and insurance companies to finally recognize the value of telemedicine, and reimburse doctors for these visits – a great step forward.

But for telemedicine to work best, patients and their physicians need easy access to patients’ complete medical information. According to Cynthia Fisher, founder and chairman of Patients’ Rights Advocates (patientsrightsadvocates.org) this is our moment in time, where we are at a crossroads where we either deliver to America a free market or medicare for all. As lawmakers call for a fourth coronavirus relief bill, Congress has an opportunity to cement rules that 91 percent of Americans want – ones that will make complete price transparency the law. Requiring hospitals and insurers to reveal their cash and secret negotiated prices will not only empower patients by putting them in charge but will also help employers and workers. It will put more money in consumers’ pockets, and let employers put what they save in health care toward creating more jobs and giving more raises.