Current Affairs This Surgeon Criticized UnitedHealth on TikTok—Then They Threatened to Sue (w/ Dr. Elisabeth Potter)
Aug 5, 2025
In a compelling discussion, Dr. Elisabeth Potter, a reconstructive surgeon and healthcare advocate, reveals her viral TikTok criticism of UnitedHealth, shedding light on the cruel tactics of insurance companies. She digs into the absurdities faced by patients with breast cancer when navigating insurance, sharing personal anecdotes. Dr. Potter also discusses the intimidation tactics used against doctors who challenge the system and advocates for necessary reforms to empower healthcare professionals and improve patient care.
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Insurance Conflicts Underlying Physician Frustration
- Insurance companies' profit motives clash with doctors' patient care goals.
- This results in excessive bureaucracy, like full-time staff needed just to get authorizations.
Surgeon Interrupted During Surgery
- Dr. Elisabeth Potter was called by UnitedHealthcare while a patient was under anesthesia in surgery.
- She had to interrupt surgery to explain the necessity of an overnight stay to the insurer.
Insurance Peer Reviews Lack Expertise
- During peer-to-peer calls, insurance doctors often lack knowledge about specialized surgeries.
- Dr. Potter encountered a distracted doctor who didn't understand the procedure she needed approved.
