[1][2][3] Dr. Linda Peeno begins her career as a medical reviewer at a Kentucky health maintenance organization (HMO).
Dr. Peeno initially plans to approve the procedure, believing the patient has met the medical indications for a transplant.
Her supervisor and colleagues reassure her that the decision aligns with company policy regarding resource allocation and congratulate her for saving the organization a significant amount of money.
As Dr. Peeno navigates the corporate environment of the HMO, she encounters executives who she feels prioritize financial considerations over patient care.
As the story progresses, Dr. Peeno's experiences lead her to become a vocal critic of the managed care system, ultimately collaborating with a lawyer who shares her concerns about ethical practices in healthcare.