New Films Focus On ‘Ailing’ American Health Care System
Several new films being released examine the American health care system. One being released in theaters this week includes a look at the nation's for-profit system and proposes greater use of alternative healing.
Los Angeles Times: Filmmakers Turn Cameras On America's Ailing Health Care System
Health care reform is the focus of three new documentaries that explore the explosive issue through different lenses. "Doctored," which opened Thursday, focuses on the benefits of seeing chiropractors, while examining a wide range of medical, political and insurance topics. "The Waiting Room," which arrived Friday, provides an unflinching look at the uninsured trying to get health care at a big city hospital. "Escape Fire: The Fight to Rescue American Healthcare," opening Oct. 5 in theaters and on video on demand, looks at ways to help cure the ailing system, including greater use of alternative healing (King, 9/30).
Marketplace: Former Health Care Executive Pushes Critical Film
The documentary "Escape Fire" will be in theatres around the country this week, making a case that the country's profit-driven health care system isn't necessarily making people healthier. "When medicine became a business, we lost our moral compass," says Dr. Steven Nissen, head of cardiology at Cleveland Clinic, in the film. "I think we've gotten into a great deal of trouble because of that." One of the film's unlikely backers is an entrepreneur in Nashville who made a fortune in the health care industry. "I'm pointing fingers at myself almost," says Clayton McWhorter, one of the wealthiest businessmen in Tennessee and a former executive with Hospital Corporation of America (Farmer, 10/1).