Why doctors make a lot of money off of sick patients?

[Beautifulsky]

I don't understand why doctors get the prestige here in the U.S. for becoming doctors: studying very hard in college and then committing to long hours working in private practice or at a hospital. They earn a lot of money in how the U.S. medical system is designed. It's a business. More sick patients means more money for the doctors. And doctors don't really find cures...they simply use your insurance and diagnosis you...they profit when they diagnosis you and you become a patient. I don't like how this system is designed. Sick patients lose while the doctors become rich.

[Hidden]

Hi Beautifulsky,

I think it's the way historically things are set up. I'm not in the US, but I see similar themes with the pharmaceutical companies in the both our countries. Historically, the way to treat illness was with medication and obviously there were some amazing breakthroughs! eg antibiotics. Then, as seems to be typical. people thought of a way to make money and all medical training was geared around diagnosis and medication.

Fortunately, in recent years, things are changing in both countries. Many doctors and scientists are looking for natural ways to prevent illnesses. Things like lifestyle changes (food, sleep, movement, relaxation) and over here in the UK, there are focusses on being in nature, mindfulness, cold water swimming etc for mental health issues. There is also a move towards mind and body being in unison. If one is out of balance, it can affect the other.

If you look up Functional Medicine, this encompasses treating the whole person.

I personally research from good rescources on the internet in any area that is affecting me, especially as I age. I rely on medication for asthma and my current mental health. But I am ok with that, if it adds to my health and quality of life.

I think it's trying different doctors also, who are on the same wavelength as you. I have recently had amazing doctors, who listen to me and treat me as an equal. In the past I have had some horrible doctors. I only ever saw them the once!

[Beautifulsky in reply to Hidden]

Would you agree though that the medical system, at least here in the U.S., is designed FOR DOCTORS...so that somehow they're designed to get paid...to diagnosis, to treat...as for the patient...it's a life long diagnosis and life long debt.

[Hidden in reply to Beautifulsky]

I don't live in the US so it's difficult for me to give an accurate response to your question. I am very grateful for our NHS here in England. But I see similarities with the connections between doctors and pharmaceutical companies and the perks and profits for using a certain brand etc. I don't know the extent of it, but it makes sense what you're saying. I agree with the theory of it. Patients don't always need a diagnosis or medication to treat their symptoms, but for many doctors AND patients that's the normal expectation. To walk out with a prescription and the diagnosis is a reason for those symptoms. This is easier than a more general reason and no medication which relies on the doctor to really know a lot more about the patient and the patient being ready to be proactive in lifestyle choices etc.

Of course the old way is quicker AND makes some people rich! Those people don't want to change things. We, the patients have to search for the doctors who think outside the box and we have to research all of the reasons for our symptoms and look at ourselves holistically with the right doctor.

Hopefully, this makes sense.

We can change our own experiences and maybe the more people who do that, the system will change, but that cannot be our focus.

[Windsorgardener5087]

Hi from me in Australia. Your description of "the health system" fits with my perception.If you get the chance, do everything in your power to get some form of universal health care. Is Medicaid still going?

We have had Medicare in Australia for the last 50 years so it can be done.

[Beautifulsky in reply to Windsorgardener5087]

But even with Medicare, you still have to deal with doctors wanting to diagnosis you...because you can't be a healthy person in this medical system...where's the money in that?