The rise of the opioid crisis is complicated, but doctors and hospitals trying to keep patients happy were a big factor. Some hope that's changing.
There is no one reason for the rise of opioid addiction in the U.S., but doctors willing to freely prescribe painkillers was inarguably a factor. Patient satisfaction and how that affected government payments to hospitals also contributed.
The interview that follows features Dr. Buck Parker, a trauma surgeon based out of Salt Lake City. Dr. Parker and Newsy's "The Why" host Cristina Mutchler talk about the balancing act doctors must now perform to keep their patients healthy, not simply happy.