‘Independent Lens’ follows health care providers in rural Southwest

“Independent Lens” returns Monday, April 8, at 9 p.m. with a new gripping, heart-wrenching documentary about one facet of America’s health care crisis.

“The Providers” follows three rural medical professionals in rural New Mexico who work at clinics that offer care for all, regardless of ability to pay amidst both a physician shortage and opioid epidemic. And amidst personal struggles that reflect those of their patients, the journeys of these providers unfold as they work to reach those who would otherwise be left out of the healthcare system. Given intimate access, the film shows the transformative power of providers’ relationships with marginalized patients.