The murder of UnitedHealthcare’s CEO highlights the increasing violence in healthcare – what it means for dentistry

By now you’ve probably heard about the murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in broad daylight on a Manhattan sidewalk as he made his way to a shareholder meeting. The online message that followed was disturbing, if not surprising, with versions of “he had done it” ranging from casual insensitivity to some outright celebrating his death.

Healthcare workers are five times more likely to be victims of violence and threats in the workplace – and dentists have not been spared from this trend.

While nurses and support staff have long borne the brunt, violence against doctors and surgeons is on the rise, according to the American College of Surgeons. Since the COVID pandemic, the trend has only gotten worse.

There were two high-profile incidents of violence in dentistry earlier this year; In both cases, the attackers were patients of the dentist victims. A dentist died.

It is not a parity to compare the murder of an insurance executive to the violence faced by practicing physicians. In fact, many of the conditions that contribute to workplace violence, such as: B. inadequate staffing and physical security measures, often blamed on health systems and insurers.

However, it seems clear that individuals are increasingly taking out their frustration with the healthcare system on individuals. What is special about this case is the targeted targeting of a high-ranking manager.

New York police are calling Thompson’s murder a brazen, targeted attack. The words “delay,” “denial,” “defense,” and “deposition” were written in permanent marker on gun casings found at the scene. “Delay, deny, defend” is a phrase often associated with insurance company tactics. One meaning of the word “depose” is sudden and violent removal from office. This wasn’t a coincidence; it was personal.

SecurityInfoWatch, a sister publication of Endeavor Business Media, reported on LinkedIn an analysis by Eric Clay, president of the International Association for Healthcare Security & Safety (IAHSS).

(He) addressed the shooting in a LinkedIn post, explaining that healthcare safety experts recognize that many people view healthcare as the target of their anger.

Family members who have lost a loved one may feel that a doctor, health care facility or insurer is responsible for that loss,” Clay said.

“The rise in violent incidents in healthcare can often be traced to personal frustrations with healthcare decisions, such as claims denials or unsuccessful procedures.”

“These experiences can trigger strong emotional reactions, leading some people to express their anger through violent behavior. Increasing pressure on patients and their families, as well as the complexity of healthcare systems, are contributing to the rise in emotional and violent crime in this sector.”

Reimbursement by health insurance companies has long been a challenge for dental practices. Many dentists express dissatisfaction with PPOs and some are even considering abandoning them. UnitedHealthcare plays a significant role in the dental market as the largest provider of Medicare Advantage plans and a major player in individual and employer-sponsored dental insurance. Changes at UnitedHealthcare following Thompson’s death could impact the dental industry.

In general, Americans say they are satisfied with their own health insurance, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation, a foundation that focuses on important health issues in the United States. However, people who are sick (and need to use their insurance coverage) tend to be less satisfied and report problems, sometimes with serious consequences.

When tensions over insurance coverage, billing disputes and costs run high, frustration can sometimes lead to violence against those perceived as gatekeepers or decision-makers, in addition to those who directly provided the care.

Both scenarios reflect a broader societal problem: the perception of health care providers or administrators as barriers to desired outcomes, whether in service delivery or insurance coverage.

Dental practices should use this moment to review their safety plans and train their employees on how to de-escalate tense situations. Larger care organizations like DSOs should also take note, as threats to executives are increasing, according to SecurityInfoWatch:

“Threats to healthcare leaders are increasing, coming from disgruntled patients and their families, disgruntled employees, or even people with more specific motives, which may be the case with today’s apparent targeted violence in New York City against the CEO of UnitedHealthcare.”

As dentistry becomes more integrated into the healthcare system, it may also take on some of its systemic problems, such as: B. Frustration over claims denials, administrative complexity and increased risk of workplace violence. This dynamic is a reminder of the growing pressure on the industry and the importance of protecting its members, from clinicians to executives.