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.

[Phoenix1992]

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!