Today’s post from Dr. Fleming, one of the M.D.s on AdvoCare’s Scientific and Medical Advisory board
continues in the exploration of how, by being educated and active participants in our healthcare management, we can change the system.
As we have said before the U.S. health care system is in the midst of a transformational change that many believe is centered on consumerism – the process of enabling and engaging consumers more directly in selection and purchase decisions regarding health care services. What has always before been a one-way conversation from healthcare providers – doctors, hospitals, etc. is becoming a more equal two-way discussion between providers and patients as the healthcare system transitions from patient-oriented to consumer-oriented.
A new survey by the Deloitte Center for Health Solutions reports that many American consumers want more from their healthcare system than they’re currently getting – including greater online connection to health care providers and medical records, customized insurance coverage and wider access to emerging innovations such as retail clinics. At the same time, consumers express anxiety about future health care costs and increasingly search for alternative medicines and services that can save them money and offer convenience. But many also say they are willing to pay extra for wellness programs, and to support or consider tax increases to cover the uninsured. The survey assessed consumers’ behaviors, attitudes, and unmet needs related to health, healthcare and health insurance. It also points to six discrete segments of the overall consumer market, providing a profile of their key characteristics and differences. Each segment presents opportunities and risks for health care industry stakeholders.
A look at the key findings:
• Over 75% of consumers believe health care will be an important issue in the 2008 election; nearly 50% described it as one of the top three issues that will affect their vote.
• 34 % say they would use a retail clinic (e.g. MinuteClinic; ReadiClinic; TakeCare; etc.)16 % already have.
• 60 % want physicians to provide online access to medical records and test results, and online appointment scheduling;
• 25% say they would pay more for the service.
• Over 33% of consumers say they want more holistic/alternative therapies in their treatment program.
• 75% want expanded use of in-home monitoring devices and online tools that would reduce need for visits and allow individuals to be more active in their care.
• 84 % prefer generics to name-brand drugs.
• Nearly 30% support a tax increase to help cover the uninsured; another 37 % say they would consider a tax hike.
• Only half of consumers say they understand their insurance coverage.
• Less than 1 in 4 consumers maintain a personal health record.
So what does this all mean? It means that each of us as healthcare consumers are finally being heard. It also means that if we are to be heard and to develop a voice in our own care, we have to become knowledgeable.Next time we’ll start a conversation about what we need to know in order to become knowledgeable consumers of healthcare.
