Don't Normalize "Less"

Why is it that in almost every industry, “more” is considered good service—more communication, more clarity, more personal attention—yet in healthcare, asking for more gets you treated like you’re being unreasonable?

In this episode of The Talking Rehab Podcast, Dr. Fred Bagares breaks down why the traditional insurance-based system consistently delivers less: less time, less access, less personalization, and less continuity. And more importantly—what patients can actually do about it.

You’ll hear a relatable story of a patient who followed all the rules and still ended up with delays, fragmented opinions, a surprise bill, and barely eight minutes of face-to-face time. Not because anyone involved was unkind, but because the system isn't built around people. It’s built around billing, risk management, and volume.

Dr. Bagares explores:

• Why “less” has become normalized in healthcare
• The service-industry comparison that makes the problem impossible to ignore
• How delays, gatekeeping, and rushed visits are baked into the insurance model
• Why the system won’t fix itself—and what proactive patients can do now
• Five practical paths for reclaiming clarity, access, and personalized care
• How direct care rebuilds medicine around you, not billing protocols

If you’ve ever felt rushed, unheard, or confused after a medical visit, you’re not imagining it—and you’re not expecting too much. There are better options.

For clarity guides, diagnostic tools, and resources that help you understand your body and next steps, visit FredBagares.com or MSKDirectVB.com.

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