Watch Money-Driven Medicine

Money-Driven Medicine is a thought-provoking documentary film that was released in 2009. Directed by Alex Gibney, this film takes a critical look at the healthcare industry in the United States and how it has become a business focused more on profit than on patient care. The movie features interviews with industry experts, policymakers, doctors, and patients, all of whom provide valuable insights into the various issues plaguing the American healthcare system.

One of the central themes of the movie is the role of money in healthcare. The film exposes how the US spends more on healthcare than any other country in the world, but still has a higher rate of preventable deaths than other developed nations. It sheds light on the fact that much of this excessive spending is driven by the profit motives of insurance companies, pharmaceutical corporations, and other industry stakeholders who prioritize making money over providing quality care.

Another key aspect of the movie is the impact of this profit-driven culture on patients. The film highlights how patients often bear the brunt of high healthcare costs, resulting in bankruptcies and other financial hardships. It also brings to light how patients are often subjected to unnecessary treatments, tests, and procedures, all to increase the bottom line of healthcare providers and companies.

The movie also delves into the ethical dilemmas faced by healthcare providers in this system. It highlights the conflict between the Hippocratic Oath, which mandates that doctors prioritize the well-being of their patients, and the financial incentives put in place by healthcare insurers that lead doctors to recommend treatments that may not be in the best interest of their patients.

Throughout the film, viewers are introduced to several individuals who have navigated the complex and costly American healthcare system. These personal narratives add an emotional and relatable dimension to the film and underscore the urgency of addressing the issues at hand.

The documentary features interviews with several influential figures in the healthcare industry, including Dr. Don Berwick, who was the head of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services under President Obama, and Dr. Larry Churchill, an ethicist and professor of medical ethics. The movie also includes interviews with representatives from insurance companies, pharmaceutical corporations, and other industry stakeholders, providing multiple perspectives on the issues at hand.

Money-Driven Medicine successfully demonstrates the fundamental flaws in the American healthcare system and challenges viewers to consider the impact of a profit-driven industry on patients, providers, and society as a whole. The film ultimately argues that healthcare should be considered a public good rather than a commodity and that a universal healthcare system is necessary to address the inequities and inefficiencies of the current model.

In conclusion, Money-Driven Medicine is an informative and thought-provoking documentary that explores the complex and often controversial issues plaguing the American healthcare industry. Through interviews with industry experts, patients, and stakeholders, the film exposes the profit-driven motives behind many of the problems in the system and highlights the urgent need for fundamental reform.

Money-Driven Medicine is a 2009 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 22 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 8.0.