Dig Deeper
With the growth of high-deductible health plans and other cost-sharing measures, many consumers are beginning to shoulder a greater share of their own health costs. When consumers become aware of prices, they make more informed decisions about the care they need and avoid care they don’t need.
Unnecessary care often harms patients and is a massive societal burden. Up to a third of our nation’s health care costs ($700 billion per year) is spent on care that does nothing to improve our health.
Most hospital price transparency web sites are intended either for the general public or created by health plans for their subscribers. Read about examples of both.
AF4Q communities are just beginning to report cost data and are experiencing difficulty with defining cost, accessing good data, and reporting data in a meaningful way. (See how AF4Q defines cost and transparency terms.)
Another challenge lies in the fact that consumers equate “value” with low cost, instead of as a balance between cost and quality.
Despite the many challenges, researchers say price transparency encourages consumers to consider price alongside quality in making health care decisions. AF4Q urges communities to push on in their efforts to report costs.
What are some ways consumers can help improve health care?
Leadership positions and health care activism are a good start
What are the benefits of getting patients involved in my efforts to improve care?
Perspective, credibility, and much more...
How do we best support our consumer advocates?
Inclusion is key.
How do consumers define health care “value”?
A patient-centered approach is a good place to start.
What tools exist to help me become an effective consumer leader?
AF4Q has helpful guidance.
What are the key traits of successful consumer representatives?
Advocacy experience and common goals are just the beginning
- Why do consumers need to know how much things cost?
- How do we help employers maintain their interest and energy in our partnership?
- What role do employers play in improving care quality?
- What frameworks can I use to engage and activate consumers?
- What are the benefits of personal health records?
- What is the Consumer Engagement Leadership Consortium?
- Where should I incorporate consumers into my practice or hospital?
- How do you explain the idea of “high-quality health care"?
- How do I clarify my role as a consumer within my organization or Alliance?
- How do I become a better consumer leader?