The healthcare industry in the United States has become a glaring example of the dangers of prioritizing profit over people. Institutions meant to save lives and alleviate suffering often focus more on financial gains than on improving health outcomes, creating a morally compromised system.
A recent tragedy, involving the killing of a prominent insurance company executive, highlights this systemic issue. While the individual was targeted for representing the frustrations of millions of Americans, the broader problem lies within a profit-driven culture. Insurance and hospital executives are often celebrated and financially rewarded for saving costs and increasing profits, regardless of the toll on patient care or physician well-being.
Take primary care as an example. Many physicians are scheduled to see 20 or more patients in an 8-hour shift, leaving just 15 minutes per patient. With the average patient juggling multiple chronic conditions and medications, this limited time is woefully inadequate to provide comprehensive care. Physicians are pushed to meet unrealistic demands, which compromises the quality of care and contributes to burnout. Meanwhile, healthcare systems invest heavily in superficial workflow improvements to maintain rankings, further burdening doctors who are expected to deliver “top-quality” care under impossible conditions.
At the root of this crisis is corporate greed. The drive for profit forces hospitals to prioritize quantity over quality, blaming physicians when outcomes fall short. Similarly, insurance companies prioritize cutting costs, often denying necessary services to maximize revenue.
The anger toward insurance companies is not about individuals but reflects a deeper societal issue: a system that rewards profit-making at any cost. This approach victimizes patients and crushes the spirit of dedicated healthcare professionals who entered the field to serve and heal.
In par with our expertise, time is the most precious gift we can offer our patients- time to hear their struggles, time to hear their wishes and honor their values and time to device a mutual plan for their treatment. Giving patients adequate time is the way we demonstrate we truly care and alleviate fear and anxiety that leads to distrust and animosity. Healthcare businesses have a right to be profitable-they just have to be humane and patient centered in doing so.