News You Can Use: End of March 2026

In this episode of Healthcare NOW Radio Podcast Network, Dr. Nick and Dr. Craig dive into the latest healthcare trends with their signature blend of humor and insight. They kick off with a retrospective on HIMSS 2026, highlighting the overwhelming presence of AI across vendor booths—even when the technology is merely a rebranded feature. The hosts debate the real value of AI in healthcare, particularly ambient listening tools that generate clinical notes and automate order entry, while questioning whether third-party vendors truly justify their costs given the growing accessibility of powerful, free AI models like Claude and OpenAI. Dr. Craig shares his personal use of Claude skills for writing and problem-solving, emphasizing the importance of continuous feedback to refine AI performance. The conversation shifts to the public health implications of problematic internet and social media use, citing a Health Affairs editorial that links excessive screen time to rising mental health issues and even a 50% spike in hemorrhoids due to prolonged toilet phone use. The hosts also reflect on the realism of the TV show 'The Pit,' particularly its accurate portrayal of EHR failures and the systemic barriers patients face in accessing affordable care. Despite the show’s dark humor, they commend its timely commentary on healthcare inequities. Key takeaways include: 1) AI is no longer a novelty but a commoditized tool—vendors must prove real value beyond branding; 2) Clinicians can leverage AI like Claude for personal productivity with custom skills, but must treat it as an assistant, not a colleague; 3) Problematic internet use is emerging as a legitimate public health concern with real-world consequences; 4) The portrayal of EHR failures in 'The Pit' reflects real-world operational stress and systemic inequities; 5) Healthcare systems should prepare for AI-driven disruptions by building internal capabilities. The tone remains upbeat and engaging, balancing satire with serious commentary on innovation, ethics, and access.