Commercialization of medical practice

The medical industry is no longer a system whose primary focus is to serve the health and well-being of the public. It is a system whose primary function is as a financial instrument for investors. Most doctors now function in private hospitals or partnerships and joint ventures.

Doctors may have disguised self-interest when they refer patients for X-rays, laboratory services, outpatient surgery and medical equipment. These encourage the overuse of expensive medical services and procedures.  In the USA, no more than 40% of a business may be owned by doctors or hospitals in a position to refer patients to the enterprise, and no more than 40% of the revenue may come from referrals by such investors.

1. The health payment system can discourage doctors from doing the right thing. Physicians who give high-quality care that controls diabetics' blood sugar see their incomes fall as those patients' need for more expensive care declines -- and insurers pocket the savings.

1. Commercial exploitation of health

1. Unnecessary health system referrals
2. Lack of diversity in medical science
3. Excessive use of resources on expensive medical techniques
4. Dubious superiority of expensive drugs
5. Decline in government health expenditure

1. Accountability based solely on profit

1. Ghostwriting scientific papers
2. Commercialization of universities

1. Providing health services
2. Privatizing