How the Healthcare System Profits Off Your Sickness

Doctors are supposed to heal you...

Hospitals are meant to help you recover…

The healthcare system is designed to keep you well.

At least, that’s what we’ve been told.

But that’s not the whole story.

The system isn’t built to make you healthier—it’s designed to keep you just sick enough to stay profitable.

Most people don’t realize this harsh reality:

Doctors, hospitals, and insurance companies make more money when they diagnose you with more conditions…

Prescribe more medications…

And order more tests and procedures.

The sicker you are on paper, the more they get paid.

How The Health Care System Works

Doctors are incentivized to diagnose you with diseases you may not actually have.

If your blood sugar is slightly high, they can call you pre-diabetic.

If your blood pressure is 135/60, they can classify you as hypertensive. 

Once you have a diagnosis, it goes on your record, and the insurance company gets to bill you more.

The more "sick" patients a clinic has, the more money they make. 

If enough patients in a practice are diagnosed with certain conditions, insurance companies reward them with higher payouts from Medicare.

Hospitals play the same game. 

During COVID, hospitals received up to $75,000 per patient if COVID-19 was listed as one of their diagnoses.

Even if it wasn’t the primary cause of hospitalization, adding it to a discharge summary meant more money.

Insurance companies track whether you fill prescriptions. 

If you’re prescribed a statin or a blood pressure medication and don’t refill it regularly, your doctor might start pressuring you.

Not necessarily because it’s in your best interest, but because they’re being paid to keep prescription adherence rates high.

This isn’t a conspiracy—it’s how the system is designed.

Keeping you labeled as “sick” is profitable.

The more conditions they diagnose, the more drugs they prescribe…

And the more money flows through the system.

What Can You Do?

Most people assume that if a doctor gives them a diagnosis, it must be true.

That’s not always the case. Here’s how you can protect yourself:

#1 - Ask Questions 

If you’re diagnosed with a condition, ask if it’s necessary to take action right away.

A slightly high blood sugar or blood pressure reading doesn’t always mean you need medication.

#2 - Get a Second Opinion

If a diagnosis feels questionable or rushed, get another doctor’s perspective.

Many conditions are misdiagnosed or exaggerated to fit insurance billing incentives.

#3 - Think Before You Fill a Prescription

Medications can be life-saving, but they can also be overprescribed.

Research what you’re taking, the risks, and whether lifestyle changes could be a better alternative.

#4 - Be Wary of Routine Screenings and Checkups

Not all screenings are necessary, and many lead to overdiagnosis.

Always ask, “What happens if I do nothing?”

The Bottom Line 

Your health is your responsibility.

The system profits when you stay sick, overmedicated, and constantly in need of treatment.

But you don’t have to play their game. 

Understand how the system works, and question what you’re told.

Don’t blindly follow every prescription or diagnosis.

Until next time,

Kashif Khan

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Information on this site is provided for informational purposes only. It is not meant to substitute for medical advice from your physician or other medical professional. You should not use the information contained herein for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease or prescribing any medication. If you have or suspect that you have a medical problem, promptly contact your regular healthcare provider.