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Blog 9/18/2019

Netflix’s “Diagnosis” Is a Binge-

worthy Glimpse into the Complex
U.S. Health Care System

VIDEO

Health care professionals shouldn’t be surprised to Your DirectPath to

see Netflix’s new docuseries, Diagnosis, surface on
Navigating the Health
Care System
their suggested feeds over the next few weeks. The
show, based on The New York Times Magazine WATCH VIDEO

column of the same name, has quickly gained

traction with health care pros and consumers alike,
highlighting “rare” diseases that may not be so rare.
Diagnosis features Dr. Lisa Sanders, the column’s
writer, who covers patients suffering from
mysterious, often misdiagnosed ailments. She
receives responses from both medical professionals
and individuals who have experienced similar
symptoms, with the goal of determining a diagnosis
and possible treatment. Each episode follows one
patient, detailing his or her history, procedures and,
eventually, what the patient and Dr. Sanders learn.

Whether or not the Netflix algorithm points you to

Diagnosis, the show is worth a watch. It not only
highlights how individuals can manage their care, but
also all the ways in which the U.S. health care system
makes it difficult to do so. The seven stories shared in
Diagnosis shed light on several important trends,
lessons and challenges that every consumer should
keep in mind when navigating today’s health care
landscape.

1.Individuals with rare or unusual diseases

are stuck between a rock and a hard place.
The show brings to light that people suffering
from rare illnesses essentially have two options:
pursue treatment, and risk bankruptcy—
because they can’t afford the testing,
appointments and medications required—or
suffer. Through the episodes, it becomes
abundantly clear that the U.S. health care
system needs to address this dichotomy. While
it may not be as “radical” as Italy’s approach of
universal coverage with mostly free treatment—
as referenced in episode one of Diagnosis—the
U.S. needs a system that doesn’t force
consumers into bankruptcy to get the care they
need.

2.Crowdsourcing diagnoses on the internet

can be a viable, cost-effective option—and it
may be the logical next step from online
communities such as PatientsLikeMe. If a doctor
isn’t giving (or can’t give) a patient the necessary
care or information, it is smart to involve other
doctors and members of the medical
community, as well as individuals sharing the
same or similar symptoms. This approach will
lead to faster diagnoses, if only by eliminating
possible options. Additionally, by reaching a
solution (or at least ruling out diagnoses) more
quickly, patients ultimately save insurers and
themselves money on unnecessary or
ineffective tests and treatments.
 3.Medical tourism is on the rise. The fact that
U.S. consumers are travelling to Italy for
treatment, or sending samples to Germany for
testing, speaks volumes to the relative cost of
health care in the United States compared to
other countries—as well as how “orphan”
diseases are treated around the world.

4.Patients are their own best advocates.

Patients know their bodies (and their children’s
bodies) better than anyone else. If what a
doctor says doesn’t feel right—especially when
it comes to a diagnosis—question it. If another
avenue makes more sense, pursue it.

 5.Second (and third and fourth) opinions are

normal, welcomed and recommended. This is
true even if patients don’t have a rare or
mysterious condition. Doctors won’t be
offended (and if they are, they probably aren’t
the right doctor).

6.Always weigh the alternatives. Sometimes

patients must choose between alternative
treatments—or treatments that might be worse
than the actual condition being treated. It’s
important to understand if there are
alternatives, and what the alternatives are, so
consumers can make an educated choice.

Individuals don’t have to be diagnosed with rare or

unusual conditions to be affected by the complexities
of the U.S. health care system. In today’s climate—
fraught with surprise medical bills, lack of
transparency and skyrocketing drug prices—it’s more
important than ever to be an educated consumer.
DirectPath strives to address these challenges by
ensuring employees have the right resources to get
the care they need at the price that works for them—
from benefits education resources that empower
employees to choose the right plan, to transparency
services and advocates who can help them navigate
how to select procedures and treatments under their
plans and help manage their claims and bills.

To learn more about DirectPath’s services for

employers, visit our product page here. For more
resources on becoming an educated consumer,
check out our reading materials on surprise medical
bills, cutting health care costs and more here.

(Kim Buckey, vice president of client services, DirectPath)

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