Kidney dialysis industry accused of maximizing profits over patients
Kidney dialysis industry accused of maximizing profits over patients

The great majority of patients requiring kidney dialysis in the U.S. are treated in outpatient clinics almost all run by for-profit corporations which, critics say, prioritize company profits over patients’ needs. According to Tom Mueller, author of “How to Make a Killing,” patients on dialysis in America die one to two times faster than in any other developed country. “48 Hours” correspondent Erin Moriarty examines the serious concerns about the dialysis industry, where a CBS News investigation has found one-third of all dialysis clinics failed to meet federal performance standards this year. The companies deny these allegations, and say patient care and safety are their primary concerns.
Read the full article on CBS Health
Truth Analysis
Analysis Summary:
The article presents a critical view of the for-profit dialysis industry, alleging prioritization of profits over patient care. While the claim about higher mortality rates in the US requires further scrutiny, the general concern about profit motives influencing healthcare decisions is supported by multiple sources. The article exhibits moderate bias due to its focus on negative aspects and reliance on critical voices.
Detailed Analysis:
- Claim:** "The great majority of patients requiring kidney dialysis in the U.S. are treated in outpatient clinics almost all run by for-profit corporations which, critics say, prioritize company profits over patients' needs."
- Verification Source #2: Supports the existence of for-profit healthcare entities and the inherent tension between profit maximization and patient care.
- Verification Source #5: Reinforces the concern about the pursuit of profit in US healthcare.
- Fails to cover:* The specific percentage of dialysis patients treated in for-profit clinics. This would require additional data.
- Claim:** "According to Tom Mueller, author of "How to Make a Killing," patients on dialysis in America die one to two times faster than in any other developed country."
- Fails to cover:* None of the provided sources directly confirm or deny this specific statistic. This claim requires further verification from independent sources specializing in dialysis outcomes.
- Claim:** "CBS News investigation has found one-third of all dialysis clinics failed to meet federal performance standards this year."
- Fails to cover:* None of the provided sources directly confirm or deny this specific statistic. This claim requires further verification from independent sources specializing in dialysis clinic performance.
- Claim:** "The companies deny these allegations, and say patient care and safety are their primary concerns."
- This is a statement of the companies' position, and is not something that can be directly verified by the provided sources. It is included to provide balance.
Supporting Evidence/Contradictions:
- Verification Source #2: "The extent to which companies provide uncompensated care to patients who ... the profit-maximizing firm in a competitive industry." This supports the idea that profit motives can influence the level of care provided.
- Verification Source #5: "In this Viewpoint, Donald Berwick explores the pursuit of profit in US health care across sectors—such as pharmaceutical companies, insurers, hospitals..." This supports the broader concern about profit motives in healthcare.
- Verification Source #1 & #4: These sources highlight instances where companies or individuals were accused of prioritizing profits over patients. While not directly related to dialysis, they illustrate a pattern of concern within the healthcare industry.
- Lack of Coverage:* The specific claim about mortality rates and the percentage of clinics failing to meet federal standards are not covered by the provided sources.