“PATIENT TRAP”

Patient Trap is inspired by my personal experiences navigating the healthcare and insurance system during my cancer treatment and surgery—a journey that continues even after two and a half years, as I still undergo regular checkups and MRIs. The project highlights issues such as the lack of transparency around service costs and unexpected bills. It also addresses the insurance gaps I faced with the plan I purchased through United Healthcare via the University of Cincinnati, which still left me with significant out-of-pocket expenses. Additionally, frequent errors in my patient accounts at The Christ Hospital and UC Health made it impossible to get a clear statement of what I owed, what I was paying for, or what my insurance covered.

I reference the childhood game North, South, East, West (also known as Fortune Teller) to critique the United States healthcare system. In this version, players use a board and two dice—one labeled NSEW and the other numbered one through eight. The game set is designed to help players understand the complexities of navigating healthcare and insurance companies, highlighting how these systems can lead patients into traumatic experiences. It also underscores the financial burden, unexpected costs, and long-term potential debt associated with health issues.

I use a white background with CMYK colors combined with dollar signs to question the United States healthcare system. This design highlights the remarkable scientific advancements and high technology in healthcare, which come at a tremendous cost to patients. For the answering side, I use a blackboard featuring X-ray scans of the brain and body, along with imagery of bloody veins, to convey the fear and trauma of illness. It symbolizes how the healthcare system can cause more than just physical pain, exposing its darker side.

Date: November 14, 2024 Credit to model: Grant Smith

Credit to Editor: Trevor DeSmith