Article Rundown

• The medical industrial complex
• Zero communication between clinicians
• Different needs for different people
• Personal and Client Experiences

The Medical Industrial Complex

In this video, I share my negative experience with insurance and the Medical Industrial Complex. In the past, I was offered spinal fusions and passed around from doctor to doctor. During this time, I encountered many skilled clinicians, including knowledgeable chiropractors, pain management doctors, and surgeons. However, not all the clinicians I met were genuinely effective. Between the surgeons and the medical insurance system, I faced numerous challenges, including difficulties in obtaining essential services like MRIs or referrals. Despite having insurance, many people still find themselves forced to spend over $1,000 just to get an MRI. My focus here is to discuss the systemic issues within the Medical Industrial Complex, which is, at best, deeply flawed.

Zero Communication Between Clinicians 

When it comes to the Medical Industrial Complex, communication between professionals is almost nonexistent. Clinicians typically spend only 5 to 10 minutes with patients. I recently spoke with a patient who had undergone surgery, only to have the neurosurgeon spend just five minutes with him post-surgery. This was after a procedure that could potentially change his life. Is it really acceptable for a surgeon to spend only five minutes with a patient after such a significant surgery? The procedure he underwent could have been life-changing for the better, but it also carries the risk of causing long-term complications. Why is this the case? It’s because no one takes the time to conduct a thorough assessment or engage in meaningful conversations with patients. Furthermore, the clinicians involved rarely communicate with one another.

Everyone Needs Something Different

Chiropractors can, at times, be life-saving. However, for certain conditions, such as spondylolisthesis, adjustments made without a proper assessment can either significantly improve the patient’s condition or make it worse. I know of individuals who initially sought chiropractic care for mild back discomfort, only to end up with exacerbated issues, including painful back spasms, after being adjusted without a proper evaluation. As I mentioned earlier, the lack of communication between clinicians in the Medical Industrial Complex is a major issue. Surgeons don’t communicate with physical therapists, physical therapists don’t communicate with chiropractors, and chiropractors don’t consult with radiologists. Meanwhile, the primary care doctor is often left out of the loop entirely. Everyone expects the system to work seamlessly, but how can it, when none of the professionals are on the same page? More often than not, clinicians fail to understand the patient’s specific needs, goals, or injury history. The patient’s lifestyle choices, such as their exercise habits and physical history, are critical to the rehabilitation process. Without considering these factors, effective treatment becomes a daunting challenge.

My Experience and Clients Experiences 

I completely understand the frustration many people feel toward the system, as it is often a profit-driven machine, and the results are frequently subpar. My personal experience with the system has been disappointing as well. I have encountered a number of excellent clinicians, but also many that were far less helpful. Recently, I underwent umbilical hernia surgery, only to receive a substantial bill that exceeded my expectations, and my insurance refused to cover it. Since the surgery, I’ve experienced pain and tightness on the left side of my leg, likely due to the surgical technique used to tighten my abdominal muscles. Additionally, I was given no clear guidance regarding post-surgery rehabilitation. The only advice I received was to “avoid overexerting yourself and ease back into stretching.” This vague recommendation is not helpful, and someone without a background like myself would likely be left confused, resorting to online searches for advice that could ultimately be counterproductive.

I also had a friend who recently underwent spinal fusion surgery. Unfortunately, his pain returned almost immediately after the procedure. When I asked about the physical therapy he was prescribed, he mentioned that he was instructed to perform exercises such as touching his toes and engaging in extensive range-of-motion activities to regain flexibility—just weeks after undergoing spinal fusion. I cannot comprehend why a physical therapist would recommend such exercises so soon after a major surgery. All this does is re-aggravate the injury, as happened to my friend, and return him to a state of pain. I have heard similar accounts from other patients who either never received follow-up from their physical therapist or were never even contacted in the first place. These patients often turn to online resources for guidance, only to end up worsening their condition.

Conclusion 

The issues within the Medical Industrial Complex are widespread and concerning, affecting countless individuals who navigate the system in search of effective care. While there are certainly skilled clinicians and professionals who genuinely care about their patients, the lack of communication between specialists, the focus on profits over patient well-being, and the absence of a cohesive treatment plan contribute to a system that often fails those who need help the most. As patients, it’s important to be proactive, advocate for ourselves, and seek out clinicians who take the time to listen, assess thoroughly, and work together to create a plan that addresses all aspects of our health. Until meaningful changes are made within the Medical Industrial Complex, we must remain vigilant and informed, recognizing that we deserve more than just quick fixes or vague advice. A comprehensive, collaborative approach to healthcare is not only possible but necessary for ensuring the best possible outcomes for patients.

BRIAN DOES ONLINE AND IN-PERSON COACHING!

Back Injured Average Mary or Joe who wants their life back

Back Injured Athlete Wanting to Return to Sport

Lift and exercise coaching & cueing to troubleshoot form

Program adherence & accountability coaching