TT

[Elisabeth Potter MD @EPotterMD]

On January 7th, 2025 I shared a video, after I was asked to call UnitedHealthcare from the operating room to answer administrative questions about the patient who was having surgery to treat breast cancer. Despite my efforts, they denied her stay.

UnitedHealthcare didn’t stop at calling me during surgery. Now, they’ve sent me a legal threat—and even worse? They ended up denying my cancer patient’s hospital stay. Exactly what I was afraid would happen.

Staying overnight after major surgery isn’t optional—it’s medically necessary. But UnitedHealthcare decided they know better than the doctors caring for the patient.

When they called me while I was operating, I knew that if I didn’t step out and respond immediately, they might deny her stay—leaving her with a massive bill. So, with another surgeon in the OR, I scrubbed out and called them back. But after all of that? They denied her stay anyway.

And instead of fixing their broken system, they sent me a legal threat for speaking out.

I’m sharing their response in full, letting their words speak for themselves.

Let me be clear: I stand by everything I said. I told the truth. I was honest about what’s happening in our healthcare system. And I will not be silenced by legal threats when it comes to advocating for my patients and my ability to care for them.

Denying an overnight stay that a doctor orders is dangerous. The doctor caring for the patient should be able to make these decisions without delay, pressure, or harassment.

If I don’t speak up, I lose—my integrity, my voice, and the opportunity to make a difference. And while it’s intimidating to receive a letter like this from a company as powerful as UnitedHealthcare, I know where I stand.

I am a woman taking care of women affected by breast cancer. I do this work with all of my heart, and I will continue to speak up for my patients—because they deserve better.

I ask you to follow along, share this story, and have these conversations in your own communities. I know I’m not the only one dealing with this, and real change will take all of us telling our stories and standing up for what’s right.

I’m here for it. Are you?

[TT @ThorTejadaMD]

@VincentRK Reminded of Sir William Osler quote “listen to your patient; he is telling you the diagnosis.” Thanks for sharing such an important story on so many levels.

[TT @ThorTejadaMD]

@AnandShah_MD This protocol, if you can duplicate it, seems better than the usual attempts at induction...

[TT @ThorTejadaMD]

Tesla Motors leads us on to the future of the automobile, and they do it with class and style, in part, thanks to Apple.

[Dean Ornish, MD @DeanOrnishMD]

RT @foodrev: Time to stand up for real food! Join #foodrevolution day on May 19. http://t.co/YDOmYJ0E

[TT @ThorTejadaMD]

Why red kills: new research explains how red meat increases your risk for heart disease http://t.co/Teg4yIxYFi
http://t.co/PIwR28BIot