KVolkema

Primary Care | Digital Health | Health innovation and start ups

[KVolkema @VolkemaK]

In April, the FDA approved the first generics for Farxiga. I checked Mark Cuban Cost Plus Drug Company… and it’s listed for ~$8/month!

This drug has historically cost $400–600/month without insurance.

This is what real change in healthcare looks like.

[KVolkema @VolkemaK]

This week I briefly discussed sun safety and skin cancer prevention strategies on our local NBC. With summer in full swing, it’s the perfect time to protect your skin and prioritize prevention.

https://t.co/fyodlW2FNI

[John Asghar MD @JahangirAsgha10]

Physicians are not bad at business…
That’s a convenient myth. And a lazy one.

The data says otherwise:
- Nearly 1 in 5 physicians have founded a business.
- Physician-led hospitals outperform others on quality.
- Private practice docs consistently score higher on patient satisfaction.
- DPC, concierge, device startups? Built by physicians.

So why the narrative?

It’s about control…
It’s why we were never taught the business of medicine.
It’s why we were discouraged from asking…
Because when we start asking—we become a threat.

physicians are boxed in by regulations written decades ago—designed to limit, not enable.

We’re the only profession that:

•Can’t own equity in many health systems
•Can’t freely partner across state lines
•Gets buried under Stark Law and AKS language so vague it criminalizes innovation
•Is told collaboration is “kickback risk” while hospitals merge without consequence

Meanwhile, lawyers run firms. Engineers build empires. MBAs scale companies.
Physicians? We’re told to stay in our lane.
And when we don’t—we’re labeled “bad at business.”

⸻

Here’s what needs to change:
•Modernize Stark. Stop blocking aligned, ethical business models.
•Clarify safe harbors under AKS for physician-led ventures.
•Fix corporate practice bans that prevent doctors from co-owning with technologists or innovators.
•Let physicians own and build. Hospitals, and platforms, systems.
•Stop forcing doctors to choose between autonomy and survival.

⸻

We’re not bad at business.
We just haven’t been allowed to compete.

[Robert Oubre, MD | The Doctor of Documentation @Dr_Oubre]

In case you needed the reminder, CMS is yet again reducing the physician conversion factor: $33.29 in 2024 to $32.35 in 2025.

It was #36.68 in 1998.

If it kept up with inflation, it would have been $68.58 in 2023.

If you're not sure what the conversion factor means for physicians, I discussed it in a previous newsletter here: https://t.co/q3g4yEAeC5

Happy 2025.

[KVolkema @VolkemaK]

As a Digital Health Fellow, seeing Doximity Dialer win Best in KLAS for the third year is inspiring. It reflects our excellence in value, relationships, and operations.

[KVolkema @VolkemaK]

Experts share effective strategies for managing chronic conditions, aiming to enhance patient outcomes. The article covers research-backed advice and tips for healthcare providers.
https://t.co/bNffZuQmNw

[KVolkema @VolkemaK]

A summary of the latest trends, technologies, and research presented, focusing on their relevance and application in current healthcare practices.
https://t.co/ghJdY6D4vN

[KVolkema @VolkemaK]

Updates to healthcare policy could have a major impact on patient care. This article outlines the key changes and what professionals need to know to stay updated.
https://t.co/jOmFbYCKbk

[KVolkema @VolkemaK]

Recent research introduces a new method in cancer treatment, potentially altering therapy practices. Detailed findings and their implications for healthcare are discussed here.
https://t.co/pSrwmqZRsO

[KVolkema @VolkemaK]

Insights from a fellow in the Digital Health Fellowship: Can AI tools like ChatGPT be the key to enhancing patient-doctor communication? #doximitydhf
https://t.co/xFBXE55ATm

[KVolkema @VolkemaK]

Learn more about this statistic in Doximity's 2023 State of Telemedicine Report: https://t.co/prRatn7Aeu

[KVolkema @VolkemaK]

This Doximity feature will be so handy at conferences, especially since I don't need to carry around business cards. #doximitydhf

[KVolkema @VolkemaK]

This is a game changer. Doximity just released Hold for Me, the newest Dialer feature that uses a virtual assistant to wait on hold for you.

I just tried placing a test call here: https://t.co/6TS7AZLXi1

I know I’ll be using this whenever I know I'm going to be on hold.

[KVolkema @VolkemaK]

As a Doximity Digital Health Fellow, I have the opportunity to share a 1-year free Doximity Dialer Pro subscription. The Dialer has been great for telemedicine and privacy. Dialer Pro has even more helpful features, like group calls and adding a translator. #doximityDHF

[KVolkema @VolkemaK]

According to Doximity's compensation report, compensation did not increase. In fact, their study suggests a slight decline of 2.4%, compared to an increase of 3.8% in 2021. #DoximityDHF

Read the full report: https://t.co/cUQp4TZw9s

[KVolkema @VolkemaK]

There are many ways Doxmity Dialer Texting can help communicate with patients. My colleague, Dr. Tina Chu shares 5 ways (and more) it can help pediatricians! #doximitydhf

🔗 https://t.co/I9dC59GT1W

[KVolkema @VolkemaK]

As a Doximity Digital Health Fellow, I have the opportunity to share a 1-year free Doximity Dialer Pro subscription. The Dialer has been great for telemedicine and privacy. Dialer Pro has even more helpful features, like group calls and adding a translator. #doximityDHF

[KVolkema @VolkemaK]

Excited to share that Doximity Dialer has won 2023 ‘Best in KLAS’ for Telehealth Video Conferencing! Proud to be part of the Doximity family, leading the way in telehealth technology. #BestinKLAS2022 #DoximityDHF

🔗 https://t.co/od0NhzRn1X

[KVolkema @VolkemaK]

This article breaks down why social media is a powerful tool for clinicians. Use it wisely to connect with patients, promote work, and build relationships with colleagues, while always prioritizing patient privacy. #DoximityDHF

🔗 https://t.co/dyFgm271WD

[KVolkema @VolkemaK]

I've recently been accepted to Doximity's Digital Health Fellows Class! Throughout the year I will be partnering with Doximity to influence the trajectory of digital health and engage alongside a talented and passionate team. Excited to share what I'm working on! #DoximityDHF