UnitedHealthcare CEO’s murder highlights growing violence in health care
By now you’ve likely heard of the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in broad daylight on a Manhattan sidewalk as he was headed into a shareholder meeting. The online vitriol that’s followed has been disturbing, if not surprising, with versions of “he had it coming to him” ranging from casually unfeeling to some outright celebrating his death.
Healthcare workers are five times more likely to be victims of workplace violence and threats—and dental professionals have not been immune from this trend.
While nurses and support staff have long borne the brunt of this, violence against doctors and surgeons is rising, according to the American College of Surgeons. The trend has gotten even worse since the COVID pandemic.
Earlier this year, dentistry suffered two high-profile incidents of violence; in both cases, the assailants were patients of the dentist victims. One dentist died.
It’s not apples-to-apples to compare the murder of an insurance executive with the violence faced by practicing clinicians. In fact, many of the conditions that contribute to workplace violence, such as inadequate staffing and physical safety measures, are often attributed to healthcare systems and insurers.
However, it seems clear that individuals are increasingly taking out their frustrations with the health-care system on individuals. What’s unique about this case is the deliberate targeting of a high-level executive.
The New York Police Department is describing Thompson’s murder as a brazen, targeted attack. Gun casings found at the scene had the words “delay,” “deny,” “defend,” and “depose” written on them in permanent marker. “Delay, deny, defend” is a phrase commonly associated with insurance companies tactics; one meaning of the word “depose” is to remove from office suddenly and forcefully. This wasn’t random; it was personal.
SecurityInfoWatch, an Endeavor Business Media sister publication, reported on an analysis from Eric Clay, president of the International Association for Healthcare Security & Safety (IAHSS), on LinkedIn.
[He] addressed the shooting in a LinkedIn post, stating that healthcare security professionals recognize that many individuals view healthcare settings as a target for their anger.
Family members who have lost a loved one may feel as though a physician, healthcare facility, or insurer is responsible for that loss,” Clay said.
“The rise in violent incidents within the healthcare industry can often be traced back to personal frustrations with healthcare decisions, such as claim denials or unsuccessful procedures.”
“These experiences can trigger strong emotional reactions, leading some individuals to express their anger through violent behavior. The increasing pressure on patients and their families, coupled with the complex nature of healthcare systems, contributes to the growing incidence of emotional and violent crimes in this sector.”
Insurance reimbursement is a long-standing challenge for dental practices. Many dentists express dissatisfaction with PPOs, and some even consider dropping 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 report themselves as satisfied with their own health insurance, as reported by the Kaiser Family Foundation, a foundation focusing on major health issues in the United States. However, people who are sick (and need to use their coverage) tend to be less satisfied and report problems, some with serious consequences.
As tensions over insurance coverage, billing disputes, and costs boil over, sometimes frustration can lead to violence against those perceived as gatekeepers or decision makers, in addition to those that have directly provided care.
Both scenarios reflect a broader societal issue: the perception of healthcare providers or administrators as barriers to desired outcomes, whether it's care delivery or insurance coverage.
Dental practices should consider taking this moment to review their safety plans and train employees on how to de-escalate tense situations. Larger care organizations such as DSOs should also take note, as according to SecurityInfoWatch, threats executives are increasing:
“Threats to healthcare executives are on the rise, coming from upset patients and their family members, disgruntled staff, or even people with more specific motives, which may be the case in today’s apparent targeted act of violence in NYC against UnitedHealthcare’s CEO.”
As dentistry becomes more integrated into the health-care system, it may also inherit some of its systemic problems, such as frustrations over claim denials, administrative complexities, and heightened risks of workplace violence. These dynamics serve as a reminder of the evolving pressures on the industry and the importance of safeguarding its members, from clinicians to executives.
This is currently a developing story. Some details may change over time.
