Is SiCKO fair, right, or even a good movie? (Part 1)
I’m writing this about an hour before I head down the block to the sneak peek tonight. I’m very excited about SiCKO, because although I’m a strong proponent of the health and life sciences industry, I’ve never been a fan of managed care organizations (MCOs). I feel that, unlike doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and pharma / biotech companies, the core values of these organizations are not always the improvement of patient health. MCOs generally focus on denying access to care (especially innovative care) that can save lives, and are as hesitant as possible to pay for any therapy that can be avoided. It’s not their fault — it’s the only way they can make money.
Most consulting engagements for MCOs are about cost-cutting in some way or another. For example, one project (that I steadfastly refused to join) methodically identified cases where the patient was covered by both the client’s policy and by another form of insurance, so that it could diligently refuse any claims and send the patient elsewhere, while still collecting premiums. It works very well, it’s brilliant, it’s legal, and it makes the client a ton of money. But I found it difficult to admire the mentality behind that project, and thus I found it difficult to sign on.
Additionally, I’ve heard that Mr. Moore gives an ancillary indictment of the pharmaceutical industry, a stance that I’m looking forward to responding to.
More when I return…
