In response to David Moses’s recent blog concerning Michael Moore’s new documentary, “Sicko”, I too felt compelled to write about this politically charged movie. The premise of the documentary involves taking a close look at the many flaws found within America’s healthcare system. More specifically, Moore investigates the inner-workings of our healthcare system and brings to light an array of problematic issues such as access to care, unaffordable healthcare coverage and powerful managed care organizations. He also gives insight into the world of healthcare through other peoples’ eyes and experiences such as political entities, healthcare workers, and of course the patients. In one interview with a mother, Moore discovers that her infant died because she could not receive medical care (Grover, 2007). Similar heartbreaking stories can be found throughout the documentary from a number of patients that were interviewed.
For many of us working in healthcare, Moore’s documentary may come as a breath of fresh air. As healthcare workers (and students studying health services administration), we are exposed to the inner-workings of a healthcare organization each and every day. We are able to see the political battles that take place over finances and patients, the unethical practices that occur between healthcare personnel and patients, medical errors, the controlling nature of managed care companies and the coverage gaps found within health insurance. Most importantly, we are able to see the effects that these elements have on the patient. Many of us in the field hope to see universal healthcare coverage and complete access within the next few years. Many political figures have tried for such coverage and access in the past but have failed miserably. Perhaps next year’s elections (along with “Sicko”) will bring fresh ideas to the table on improving America’s fragmented healthcare system.
According to Hofmann and Nelson (2001), “In the midst of the politics, it is too easy to forget that healthcare is a good and service prerequisite for the well-being of all human beings.” As one of the most powerful and so-called wealthy nations in the world, why is it so difficult to provide reasonable medical care at an affordable price for our nation’s citizens? Why does America still not consider it a basic right for all of its citizens to have equal access to healthcare (Hofmann & Nelson, 2001)? Perhaps just too many “hands are in the pot.” Managed care organizations want their cut, hospitals want to see the bottom line increase, stakeholders want fuller pockets, doctors and nurses want bigger and better salaries/incentive programs and the list goes on and on. There must be a way to reduce the cost of medical care and improve access for everyone. It should be the right of each American to have affordable coverage and convenient access to a system that was originally created to help take care of people and save lives; not fill the pockets of greedy stakeholders and politicians.
Hopefully Michael Moore will shed some much-needed light on the state of today’s healthcare system. Political entities, health authorities, managed care companies, and healthcare organizations in general should brace for the possible large-scale impact this documentary may have on America. Look at the ramifications and outcomes associated with Morgan Spurlocks’s documentary on the fast food industry, “Super Size Me.” This eye-opening movie not only pushed schools to incorporate healthier meal options during lunch (in addition to increasing physical education time) but ultimately caused McDonalds as well as other fast food restaurants to now post nutritional information and ingredients on food packaging. McDonald’s also created the “Adult Happy Meal” and offered healthier alternatives in their happy meals for children. “Super Size Me” created enough awareness within the fast food community for action to actually take place. With any luck, Michael Moore’s documentary “Sicko” will do the same. Our country’s healthcare system desperately needs attention. If Michael Moore can draw enough awareness to this issue and turn up the heat on today’s political figures, than perhaps our nation’s fragmented healthcare system can begin to repair its fragile state.
References
Grover, R. (2007, June 4). Michael Moore Wants to Reform Healthcare. Retrieved on
June 7, 2007, from http://news.yahoo.com/s/bw/20070604/bs_bw/jun2007db20070604109406;_ylt=AgeaZ2tQjvqxrVXrAq1i9fzq188F
Hofmann, P. & Nelson, W. (2001). Managing Ethically: An Executive’s Guide. Chicago: Health Administration Press.
For many of us working in healthcare, Moore’s documentary may come as a breath of fresh air. As healthcare workers (and students studying health services administration), we are exposed to the inner-workings of a healthcare organization each and every day. We are able to see the political battles that take place over finances and patients, the unethical practices that occur between healthcare personnel and patients, medical errors, the controlling nature of managed care companies and the coverage gaps found within health insurance. Most importantly, we are able to see the effects that these elements have on the patient. Many of us in the field hope to see universal healthcare coverage and complete access within the next few years. Many political figures have tried for such coverage and access in the past but have failed miserably. Perhaps next year’s elections (along with “Sicko”) will bring fresh ideas to the table on improving America’s fragmented healthcare system.
According to Hofmann and Nelson (2001), “In the midst of the politics, it is too easy to forget that healthcare is a good and service prerequisite for the well-being of all human beings.” As one of the most powerful and so-called wealthy nations in the world, why is it so difficult to provide reasonable medical care at an affordable price for our nation’s citizens? Why does America still not consider it a basic right for all of its citizens to have equal access to healthcare (Hofmann & Nelson, 2001)? Perhaps just too many “hands are in the pot.” Managed care organizations want their cut, hospitals want to see the bottom line increase, stakeholders want fuller pockets, doctors and nurses want bigger and better salaries/incentive programs and the list goes on and on. There must be a way to reduce the cost of medical care and improve access for everyone. It should be the right of each American to have affordable coverage and convenient access to a system that was originally created to help take care of people and save lives; not fill the pockets of greedy stakeholders and politicians.
Hopefully Michael Moore will shed some much-needed light on the state of today’s healthcare system. Political entities, health authorities, managed care companies, and healthcare organizations in general should brace for the possible large-scale impact this documentary may have on America. Look at the ramifications and outcomes associated with Morgan Spurlocks’s documentary on the fast food industry, “Super Size Me.” This eye-opening movie not only pushed schools to incorporate healthier meal options during lunch (in addition to increasing physical education time) but ultimately caused McDonalds as well as other fast food restaurants to now post nutritional information and ingredients on food packaging. McDonald’s also created the “Adult Happy Meal” and offered healthier alternatives in their happy meals for children. “Super Size Me” created enough awareness within the fast food community for action to actually take place. With any luck, Michael Moore’s documentary “Sicko” will do the same. Our country’s healthcare system desperately needs attention. If Michael Moore can draw enough awareness to this issue and turn up the heat on today’s political figures, than perhaps our nation’s fragmented healthcare system can begin to repair its fragile state.
References
Grover, R. (2007, June 4). Michael Moore Wants to Reform Healthcare. Retrieved on
June 7, 2007, from http://news.yahoo.com/s/bw/20070604/bs_bw/jun2007db20070604109406;_ylt=AgeaZ2tQjvqxrVXrAq1i9fzq188F
Hofmann, P. & Nelson, W. (2001). Managing Ethically: An Executive’s Guide. Chicago: Health Administration Press.
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