Ep 7. Post Mortem

Frontline season 29 episode 7, titled "Post Mortem," is a riveting investigative documentary that delves into an ongoing crisis in the American economy – the surge in hospital mergers and acquisitions, and the massive consolidation of the healthcare industry.

The episode investigates the trend of hospitals consolidating their operations, joining larger healthcare systems or merging with other hospitals. Hospitals claim that this consolidation will lead to cost savings and better service to patients, but critics argue that this trend will lead to higher prices for patients and ultimately only serve as a way for healthcare providers to increase their profits.

The episode uses interviews with doctors, policymakers, and healthcare experts as well as archival news footage and other data to reveal the ways in which the consolidation of the healthcare industry has affected patient care and the cost of healthcare.

The investigative team travels to various locations across the United States to speak with patients, health care providers, and legal experts to gather views on the issue. They examine the costs of healthcare, the impact of the Affordable Care Act on the industry, and factors that led to the current trend.

The episode also covers some of the most contentious issues surrounding the crisis in the American healthcare system, such as the increasing costs of care and the ways in which hospitals and providers contribute to this problem. The presence of “mega-mergers” in the market is explained, and the impact they have on smaller healthcare providers and patients is also highlighted.

Through thorough and objective reporting, the documentary raises important questions about the state of healthcare in America and how it affects patients and providers alike. The lack of a clear regulatory structure and the increasing pace of consolidation of the industry is explored.

Overall, “Post Mortem” is a powerful documentary that offers an insightful analysis of the American healthcare industry and its problems. It paints a grim picture of the state of healthcare in the country and identifies key issues that require urgent attention. The episode raises important questions about the future of healthcare in America and what needs to be done to address the crisis.