B.S., Incorporated by Jennifer Rock is an exploration of how business decisions and transactions can shape the skyrocketing costs of modern health care. It touches on topics such as corporate mergers, patent laws, and the influences of drug companies and insurance companies on the global healthcare system.
The book begins with a discussion of the American healthcare system, noting the significant differences between the current system, and other countries such as Canada and the United Kingdom. Rock then moves on to detail the creation of B.S., Incorporated, a conglomerate of seven separate companies, each specializing in a different field of pharmaceuticals and health care.
Rock highlights numerous examples featuring B.S., Incorporated, discussing their role in the patenting of their drugs, the merger between their subsidiaries, the purchase of specialized medical technology, and the setting of high prices for their products. Additionally, she addresses the problems that occur when companies are able to manipulate the patent system or buy out competitors.
Rock then goes on to illustrate the various ways that pharma companies can increase profits by raising prices, patenting drugs so that nobody else can create generic versions, making strategic acquisitions, and using detailed marketing techniques. She reveals how competitive techniques such as those employed by B.S., Incorporated, can lead to monopolistic behavior that ultimately harms consumers.
Next, Rock covers the importance of healthcare advocacy and how people can join together to pushback against corporate exploitation. She discusses the role of trade associations, lobbyists, and other groups in advocating for patient rights, as well as the need for transparency in the healthcare industry.
The book ends with a final section of practical examples illustrating how consumers can protect themselves against corporate greed in the healthcare industry. She discusses the importance of researching treatments, medications, and providers, and how to compare insurance policies so that consumers make the best decisions for their health.
In conclusion, B.S., Incorporated provides an important insight into the inner workings of the healthcare industry and how decisions taken by medical corporations can manipulate prices and reduce access to treatments for millions of people. Rock also highlights how patient advocacy and responsible consumerism can lead to positive change in the health care system. By exposing the methods used by companies like B.S., Incorporated, the book is a valuable resource for people to learn about the issues and start advocating for their rights.
