POLITICO's Pulse Check

4.7 (451)
MEDICINE
UPDATED DAILY

POLITICO Pulse Check delivers the latest news in health care with sharp policy analysis and a dose of real-world perspective. Hear what stories POLITICO's deep bench of Health Care policy reporters are watching and their analysis of the critical issues facing regulators, legislators, and practitioners.

12/22/2023

The two big ways AI is changing health care

Artificial intelligence is changing the way doctors practice, but also how the health care business runs. Host Chelsea Cirruzzo talks with POLITICO health care reporter Daniel Payne about the ways AI is already used across the medical landscape and how regulators are responding. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

6 min
12/21/2023

For HHS, AI is an inside job

As federal officials scramble to regulate artificial intelligence in health care, HHS has already become one of the top federal agencies using the technology. Host Kelly Hooper talks with POLITICO health reporter Chelsea Cirruzzo about some of the 80 implemented or planned uses of AI by HHS agencies. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

5 min
12/20/2023

A look back at abortion policy in 2023 and a look forward to 2024

Abortion policy changes made since the fall of Roe v. Wade continue to spur ongoing political turmoil nationwide. Host Lauren Gardner talks with POLITICO health care reporter Alice Miranda Ollstein about the most significant developments surrounding abortion this year and what to expect heading into 2024. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

7 min
12/19/2023

Fentanyl’s fatal year in review

Fatal overdoses of the synthetic opioid have hit record highs in the U.S. Host Ben Leonard talks with POLITICO global health reporter Carmen Paun about the devastating impact of the fentanyl epidemic. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

7 min
12/18/2023

What the USPS is hiding about worker safety

Heat is the second-leading cause of injury to postal workers after slips and falls. Letter carriers are supposed to receive training for dealing with high temperatures, but the Postal Service acknowledged to E&E News that it had in some cases falsified training records, reporter Ariel Wittenberg tells host Kelly Hooper. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

7 min
12/15/2023

What Biden's new fair price drug policy means

The Biden administration announced Thursday that drug companies receiving research funding from HHS’ emergency response arm, the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response, will have to commit to a “fair price” – not more than they charge in other countries. Host Chelsea Cirruzzo talks with POLITICO health care reporter Robert King about the Biden administration's efforts to curb high prescription drug prices. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

5 min
12/14/2023

Congress’ health reform package: Where does it stand?

As Congress pursues landmark health reforms, lawmakers must align House and Senate legislation that includes ensuring transparency from hospitals, insurers and pharmacy benefit managers and reauthorizing a law that would expand treatment for opioid use disorders. Host Megan Messerly talks with POLITICO health care reporter Ben Leonard about the chances of reconciling the chambers’ competing bills. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

6 min
12/13/2023

The future of milestone opioid law

Congress has moved to reup treatment for opioid use disorder as the rate of fatal overdoses remains near record highs in the US. Host Lauren Gardner talks with POLITICO global health reporter Carmen Paun about the role of the SUPPORT Act in the ongoing opioid epidemic. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

8 min

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4.7

out of 5

451 Ratings

Excellent

12/15/2023

FIN3$$3

Ben Leonard is the best; so thorough and well spoken! Cant wait for the next episode!
Masks

03/31/2022

Ginagina Smith

I wear a great fitting KN95 because I couldn’t find an N95 to fit my face securely
Anti-woman

05/03/2023

Djekdkslsnsbjwn

You did a whole episode about maternal mortality without mentioning once the gender of the victims or acknowledging the fact that this issue affects women and mothers. The format is good… the vocal fry is a lot.
Vocal Fry is Unbearable

01/30/2023

anndanngoo

Ben Leonard is probably a good reporter, but his vocal fry makes this show impossible to listen to.

POLITICO Pulse Check delivers the latest news in health care with sharp policy analysis and a dose of real-world perspective. Hear what stories POLITICO's deep bench of Health Care policy reporters are watching and their analysis of the critical issues facing regulators, legislators, and practitioners.