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Is the U.S. healthcare system designed to help patients—or profit from them? In this episode, Sandy Kibling speaks with Adam Cunningham, founder of Sylk Health, about the soaring cost of medical care in America and why many people delay treatment, live with chronic pain, or face overwhelming medical debt.

Adam shares the personal experiences that inspired him to create Sylk Health, a platform that allows patients to compare surgery prices at internationally accredited hospitals in China with prices in the United States. They discuss how procedures costing tens of thousands of dollars in the U.S. may be available for significantly less abroad, while still being performed by experienced physicians at highly accredited hospitals.

The conversation also explores the realities of medical Travel, including consultations, travel expenses, follow-up care, physical Therapy, insurance considerations, and what happens when complications occur. 

Most importantly, Adam encourages listeners to explore every available option—including patient advocates and lower-cost providers in the U.S.—so they can make informed decisions and access the healthcare they need without sacrificing their financial future.

Key Topics

• Cost disparities between US and Chinese hospitals
• Quality and accreditation of Chinese hospitals
• Process of booking surgery abroad through Sylk Health
• Follow-up care and complications management
• Impact of healthcare costs on patients

Sound Bites

• “Chinese doctors are often world-class.”
• “Speak with a patient advocate first.”
• “Your health is your most valuable asset.”

Chapters

00:00 Introduction: The US Healthcare Cost Crisis

01:07 Adam Cunningham's Personal Journey into Healthcare Innovation

04:15 The Inspiration Behind Silk Health

06:24 How Chinese Hospitals Offer Quality Care at Lower Costs

08:48 Addressing Patient Concerns About International Surgery

12:21 Doctor Qualifications in China vs US

13:29 Using Silk Health: Booking a Procedure Step-by-Step

17:20 Cost Comparison: US vs China for Surgery

19:47 Handling Complications and Follow-up Care

23:49 Advice for Uninsured Patients and Cost-Effective Options

26:20 Final Thoughts: The Future of Healthcare and Personal Well-being

 Resources

Sylk Health

Joint Commission International (JCI)

Playbook AI Partners

Want to be a guest on Get Savvy…Demystifying Healthcare? Send Sandy Kibling a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/getsavvydemystifyinghealthcare

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Sandy Kibling Get Savvy... Demystifying Healthcare

Sandy is a health care professional having served in numerous roles including physician consulting and working for a large healthcare insurance company. She has worked on the frontline addressing physician and subscriber issues and has heard first-hand the frustration and concern about affordability and navigating a complicated healthcare system.

Sandy’s passion is to create a trusted source with Get Savvy…Demystifying Healthcare a podcast that breaks down the complexity of healthcare and empowers consumers to navigate the healthcare system.