Healthcare provider UnitedHealthcare expresses discontent over comments under a physician's popular post, carrying the phrase "In Luigi we trust".
UnitedHealthcare is giving Dr. Elisabeth Potter, a plastic surgeon from Austin, TX, a hard time over a viral Instagram and TikTok video she posted about an alleged phone call from the insurance company during one of her surgeries. The insurer has enlisted the help of a defamation lawyer to remove the video and get an apology from Potter, as well as getting in touch with any other media outlet that has covered the story to say she lied. Potter, however, is standing her ground and accusing the company of gaslighting and harassment.
In the video, Potter claimed she was forced to leave a surgery mid-procedure to take a call from UnitedHealthcare, only to find out that the person on the line didn't even have access to the patient's full medical records, despite the procedure being pre-approved. UnitedHealthcare, on the other hand, claims that Potter's office made an error in filing paperwork, and that's why they reached out to her during surgery.
The insurer's response to the video went beyond a simple denial. In a six-page letter, UnitedHealthcare's lawyers highlighted the virality of the video and the mean comments it received, including calls for violence against the company's executives and employees. They also pointed out that Potter had made errors in her account, such as mistakenly ordering an inpatient hospital stay instead of an outpatient observation stay.
UnitedHealthcare asked Potter to remove the video, post a public apology, and condemn threats of violence, and to ask media outlets to remove their stories about the incident. Potter has responded by doubling down on her account of the incident, saying the letter contained "gaslighting and harassment" and that it had only strengthened her resolve.
The incident has sparked public outrage and support for Potter, with many expressing frustration about the bureaucratic interference that can occur in healthcare. The public perception of insurance companies in the U.S., already negative due to their administrative tasks and paperwork, has been further exacerbated by the situation.
The enrichment data suggests that UnitedHealthcare's response has contributed to a negative perception of healthcare insurance companies. The bureaucratic interference, lack of empathy, and prioritization of administrative tasks over patient care have been major concerns for many Americans, and the incident has reinforced these criticisms. It has also sparked a wider conversation about the need for change in how insurance companies interact with healthcare providers to ensure that patient care is not compromised.
In summary, UnitedHealthcare's response to Dr. Potter's viral post has likely contributed to a negative perception of healthcare insurance companies in America. The incident has highlighted concerns about bureaucratic interference, lack of empathy, and administrative tasks, and has reinforced criticisms about the U.S. healthcare system. It has also sparked a broader conversation about the need for change in how insurance companies interact with healthcare providers.
The negative perception of UnitedHealthcare in this situation stems from their use of technology and tactics that many perceive as inconsiderate towards patient care. The insurer's legal team leveraged the virality of the video and the negativity it generated as a tool to pressure Potter, demonstrating a lack of understanding in the role of tech in shaping public opinion. Moreover, the future of healthcare insurance in America appears to be tainted by such incidents, as they emphasize the need for a more tech-savvy approach that prioritizes empathy and patient care.
