Commercialization of medical practice

Self-serving investment practices of doctors
Privatization of medical services

Nature

The medical industry is no longer a system whose primary focus is to serve the health and well-being of the public. It is a system whose primary function is as a financial instrument for investors. Most doctors now function in private hospitals or partnerships and joint ventures.

Incidence

Doctors may have disguised self-interest when they refer patients for X-rays, laboratory services, outpatient surgery and medical equipment. These encourage the overuse of expensive medical services and procedures. In the USA, no more than 40% of a business may be owned by doctors or hospitals in a position to refer patients to the enterprise, and no more than 40% of the revenue may come from referrals by such investors.

Claim

The health payment system can discourage doctors from doing the right thing. Physicians who give high-quality care that controls diabetics' blood sugar see their incomes fall as those patients' need for more expensive care declines -- and insurers pocket the savings.