Pharma Whistleblower Reveals Who Really Runs American Healthcare w/ Brigham Buhler

Mark Hyman

Aug 6, 2025

Episode description

Our healthcare system is broken—and it’s not by accident. On this episode of The Dr. Hyman Show, I’m joined by Brigham Buhler, a former pharmaceutical rep turned healthcare entrepreneur, to explore how misaligned incentives across pharma, insurance, and government are undermining patient care. 

This conversation is about more than just exposing the problem. It’s about empowering individuals. Watch our full discussion on my YouTube channel here - https://youtu.be/062lululORA

We discuss:

• How hidden financial incentives could be affecting the care you receive

• Why even well-meaning doctors may be limited in helping you heal—and what you can do about it

• What to watch out for when navigating insurance, prescriptions, and denied claims

• How you can prioritize prevention, even when it’s not supported

Navigating the healthcare system can be overwhelming, but your next step doesn’t have to be. With the right insight, you can take back control and advocate for the care you deserve.

View Show Notes From This Episode


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This episode is brought to you by Seed, BON CHARGE, Paleovalley, PerfectAmino and Big Bold Health.

Visit seed.com/hyman and use code 25HYMAN for 25% off your first month of Seed's DS-01® Daily Synbiotic. Head to boncharge.com and use code DRMARK for 15% off your order. Get nutrient-dense, whole foods. Head to paleovalley.com/hyman for 15% off your first purchase. Go to bodyhealth.com and use code HYMAN20 for 20% off your first order. Get 30% off HTB Immune Energy Chews at bigboldhealth.com and use code DRMARK30.


Episode description

Our healthcare system is broken—and it’s not by accident. On this episode of The Dr. Hyman Show, I’m joined by Brigham Buhler, a former pharmaceutical rep turned healthcare entrepreneur, to explore how misaligned incentives across pharma, insurance, and government are undermining patient care. 

This conversation is about more than just exposing the problem. It’s about empowering individuals. Watch our full discussion on my YouTube channel here - https://youtu.be/062lululORA

We discuss:

• How hidden financial incentives could be affecting the care you receive

• Why even well-meaning doctors may be limited in helping you heal—and what you can do about it

• What to watch out for when navigating insurance, prescriptions, and denied claims

• How you can prioritize prevention, even when it’s not supported

Navigating the healthcare system can be overwhelming, but your next step doesn’t have to be. With the right insight, you can take back control and advocate for the care you deserve.

View Show Notes From This Episode


Get Free Weekly Health Tips from Dr. Hyman

https://drhyman.com/pages/picks?utm_campaign=shownotes&utm_medium=banner&utm_source=podcast

Sign Up for Dr. Hyman’s Weekly Longevity Journal

https://drhyman.com/pages/longevity?utm_campaign=shownotes&utm_medium=banner&utm_source=podcast

Join the 10-Day Detox to Reset Your Health

https://drhyman.com/pages/10-day-detox

Join the Hyman Hive for Expert Support and Real Results

https://drhyman.com/pages/hyman-hive

This episode is brought to you by Seed, BON CHARGE, Paleovalley, PerfectAmino and Big Bold Health.

Visit seed.com/hyman and use code 25HYMAN for 25% off your first month of Seed's DS-01® Daily Synbiotic. Head to boncharge.com and use code DRMARK for 15% off your order. Get nutrient-dense, whole foods. Head to paleovalley.com/hyman for 15% off your first purchase. Go to bodyhealth.com and use code HYMAN20 for 20% off your first order. Get 30% off HTB Immune Energy Chews at bigboldhealth.com and use code DRMARK30.


Mindsip insights from this episode:

Reinstate insurance coverage for opioid safety measures

Insurance companies systematically stopped covering safety measures like genetic testing, toxicology screens, and non-addictive topical creams, which could have prevented many opioid-related deaths.

Reform healthcare to eliminate profit from chronic illness

The healthcare system is not just broken; it's designed to make more money when people are sick with chronic diseases, creating a perverse incentive for all players.

Advocate for prevention to challenge insurance disincentives

Insurance companies are disincentivized from investing in preventative care because patients often switch employers and become another insurer's problem before a chronic disease fully develops.

Challenge high drug prices driven by insurance profits

Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs), owned by insurance companies, negotiate higher drug prices to receive larger kickbacks, called rebates, from pharmaceutical companies.

Resist big pharma's patenting of affordable peptides

The FDA is cracking down on affordable compounded peptides like BPC-157 just as large pharmaceutical companies are attempting to patent and monetize them for massive profits.

Address FDA's revolving door conflict of interest

A major conflict of interest exists as 10 out of the last 11 heads of the FDA went on to work for the pharmaceutical industry after leaving their government positions.

Uncover healthcare's hidden limitations on choice

The American healthcare market is not truly free because corporate interests hide information and limit choices, preventing people from making educated decisions about their health.

Challenge profit motives to embrace innovative joint replacements

Hospitals have no financial incentive to use a longer-lasting, innovative joint replacement because they make more money from repeat surgeries, which are paid for by insurance.

Challenge insurance claim denials to reclaim your rights

Insurance companies strategically deny claims knowing that their algorithms predict less than 10% of people will actually go through the effort to dispute the denial.

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© Mindsip 2025 – Made with ❤ in Vilnius