August 19, 2025
What Happens When an Insurance Company Interrupts Surgery? with Dr. Elisabeth Potter
Knock Knock, Hi! with the GlaucomfleckensAbout this episode
Ever had your surgery interrupted… by UnitedHealthcare ? Yeah, me neither. But that’s exactly what happened to our guest this week, the incredible Dr. Elisabeth Potter . She went viral after exposing the absurdity of insurance meddling in patient care, right down to getting pulled out of the OR for a phone call about prior authorization. In this episode, Kristin and I dig into how Dr. Potter stood up to a massive insurance company, why they tried (and failed) to shut her down with a cease-and-desist, and how she’s paying the price for telling the truth. It’s raw, it’s maddening, it’s inspiring, and it’s a reminder that sometimes the bravest thing you can do in medicine is refuse to be quiet. Takeaways: Hear the unbelievable story of insurance calling Dr. Potter mid-surgery to question her patient care. Find out how a viral video and a cease-and-desist letter turned one doctor into a national advocate. Learn why hospital lawyers installed cameras in ORs after her posts and how she fought back. Discover how retaliation from UnitedHealthcare threatened her new surgery center and practice. Why thousands of people rallied behind her with donations, comments, and support and why she’s not backing down. — Want more Dr. Elisabeth Potter? Instagram: @drelisabethpotter X (Twitter): @EPotterMD TikTok: @drelisabethpotter Facebook: Dr. Elisabeth Potter YouTube: @DrElisabethPotterMD Bluesky: @drelisabethpotter.bsky.social To Get Tickets to Wife & Death: You can visit Glaucomflecken.com/live We want to hear YOUR stories (and medical puns)! Shoot us an email and say hi! knockknockhi@human-content.com Can’t get enough of us? Shucks. You can support the show on Patreon for early episode access, exclusive bonus shows, livestream hangouts, and much more! – http://www.patreon.com/glaucomflecken Also, be sure to check out the newsletter: https://glaucomflecken.com/glauc-to-me/ If you are interested in buying a book from one of our guests, check them all out here: https://www.amazon.com/shop/dr.glaucomflecken If you want more information on models I use: Anatomy Warehouse provides for the best, crafting custom anatomical products, medical simulation kits and presentation models that create a lasting educational impact. For more information go to Anatomy Warehouse DOT com. Link: https://anatomywarehouse.com/?aff=14 Plus for 15% off use code: Glaucomflecken15 -- A friendly reminder from the G’s and Tarsus: If you want to learn more about Demodex Blepharitis, making an appointment with your eye doctor for an eyelid exam can help you know for sure. Visit http://www.EyelidCheck.com for more information. Go to http//www.cozyearth.com and use code KNOCKKNOCK for 40% off best-selling temperature-regulating sheets, apparel, and more. Trust me—you’ll feel the difference the very first night. Produced by Human Content Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices