E20: DR HSU ON HOW TO SECURELY INCREASE ACCESS TO OPIOID MEDICATION

The Connected Physician

Welcome to The Connected Physician, where healthcare professionals and innovators come together to explore breakthrough solutions in patient care and medical challenges. In this episode, host Katharina Juenger welcomes Dr. John Hsu, a seasoned anesthesiologist and the founder of iPill Dispenser, a pioneering company aimed at improving medication adherence and addressing opioid use disorder (OUD).

In this episode, Dr. John shares his journey from practicing anesthesiology for 30 years to developing a secure medication dispenser that combines technology with healthcare to prevent misuse and ensure patients take their prescribed medications. He discusses:

• The Inspiration Behind iPill Dispenser: Dr. John reveals how his experiences with patients misusing medications, such as exchanging pills during pill counts, led him to develop a device that ensures medication is dispensed to the right person at the right time.
• How Technology Transformed Medication Adherence: Drawing parallels to ATM technology, Dr. John explains how the I-Pill iPill Dispenser works using biometric authentication and multi-factor security to ensure only the correct patient can access their medication.
• Addressing Opioid Use Disorder (OUD): Learn about the systemic challenges in treating OUD, particularly the reluctance of insurance companies to cover opioid addiction treatments, and how iPill Dispenser offers a potential solution.
• Opioid Crisis Insights: Dr. John discusses the rise of fentanyl, the shift from prescription opioids to illicit substances, and how medication adherence solutions can combat misuse and reduce overdose risks.
• Real-World Impact: With a focus on vulnerable populations like incarcerated individuals and veterans, Dr. John explains how his device helps provide continuous medication support for those at high risk of relapse.
• Expanding Access to Treatment: Dr. John shares his vision for the future of opioid addiction treatment, advocating for more innovative solutions like the iPill Dispenser to reach underserved communities.
• Advice for Healthcare Providers: Dr. John offers guidance for physicians dealing with opioid misuse patients, encouraging them to explore alternative care options, including telehealth and collaborations with innovative companies to increase access to effective treatments.

Links and Resources:

• John Hsu MD

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