There’s a giant game of monopoly being played by healthcare providers in our country, and neither you nor I stand to benefit.

Sandra Alvarez’s latest film, InHospitable, shines a light on two specific players in the game in my hometown of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania - a place that's very near and dear to me.

Tensions rose when the dominant healthcare provider UPMC created its own insurance company. Patients previously receiving care with UPMC providers and at their hospitals were pushed out unless they switched to UPMC’s insurance. In response, Highmark, the dominant insurer, started its medical provider, Allegheny Health Network.

The two continue to battle it out for market share.

This type of infighting amongst organizations claiming to provide care to the community makes you wonder whose interests they really care about and InHospitable does a great job of clarifying some of these very confronting issues. 

[06:53] The Secret Hospital War

[11:24] Community Impact

[14:12] The Insurance Wars: UPMC vs. Highmark

[21:01] For-Profit vs. Non-Profit Hospital Models

[28:17] Primary Drivers of Hospitalization Costs

[38:38] The Cost of Childbirth

[45:39] We Need Change

Visit the show notes for resources, links mentioned, and more: https://www.BelovedHolistics.com/podcast/sandraalvarez

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InHospitable & Sandra Alvarez:

Sandra Alvarez on Instagram @SandraSeesAll

Website | InHospitableFilm.com

Twitter @InHospitableFlm

Instagram @InHospitableFilm

Facebook | Inhospitable Film

Find me:

Instagram @nathanrileyobgyn

TikTok @nathanrileyobgyn

Practice: BelovedHolistics.com

Medical Disclaimer: The Holistic OBGYN Podcast is an educational program. No information conveyed through this podcast should be construed as medical advice. These conversations are available to the public for educational and entertainment purposes only.

Music provided by EdvardGaresPremium / Pond5

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