01/21/2008
More consumers are shopping for health care
According to a recent study initiated by Asuris' parent company, more people are acting like true health care consumers than ever before. Survey results indicate that a majority of respondents are inclined to seek out information on the quality and price of health care services.
The survey, which was conducted by an independent firm, polled 2,000 insured and non-insured individuals in Washington, Oregon, Idaho and Utah. Results indicate that 70% of consumers would seek out information, such as price and quality, about medical services. Taken as a whole, almost 50% of all 2,000 respondents said they would be "very likely" to compare provider quality, seek out information from reputable medical sources and to rely on the reputation of the service provider. Additionally, about one-third of respondents said they would be "very likely" to compare prices of medical services.
While more research is needed, this groundbreaking survey tells us that a substantial portion of people could be successfully shifted toward more consumer-minded health care behavior.
This is good news to those working to remedy the ailing health care system—many of whom believe that consumerism would be a vital ingredient of the cure. If people shopped for care like they do consumer goods, the theory goes, providers would be pressured to compete on outcomes, price and customer service. And that could not only help control rising costs, but also shift consumers to more healthy behaviors—leading not only to savings but, more importantly, to a healthier community.
Read more about this survey.
If you have questions about what Asuris is doing to promote health care consumerism, please talk to your Asuris Sales contact.
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