Dig Deeper
In the effort to encourage consumers to use cost and resource information to make health care decisions, timing is everything. When consumers have access to data when it’s time to make decisions, they are best equipped to choose value: the best possible care for the lowest possible cost.
Consumer readiness for health care data depends on a number of interrelated personal factors. Consumers demonstrate more interest in applying cost information to their decisions when they have:
• A high level of exposure to out-of-pocket costs. Consumers who are aware they have a strong financial incentive to use cost information—due to a high-deductible health plan, poor or no coverage, the need to make frequent provider visits, value-based insurance designs, or a combination of the above—are more likely to use cost information.
• A non-severe, non-urgent condition. Consumers who have time to shop for care and do not have a severe or urgent condition are more likely to use cost information.
• Few or no preconceptions about the quality of providers. Consumers who have not been influenced by advertising, word of mouth, or a previous positive personal experience are more likely to use cost information.
Conversely, a consumer with less interest in cost information may have one or more of the following:
• A traditional insurance plan (HMO/PPO)
• A need for urgent care or treatment for a severe condition
• A doctor whom they like, or preconceived notions about the quality of certain providers
What are some ways consumers can help improve health care?
Leadership positions and health care activism are a good start
How do I make sure consumer efforts and activity are meaningful?
AF4Q has several benchmarks you can use.
How do consumers define health care “value”?
A patient-centered approach is a good place to start.
How do you explain the idea of “high-quality health care"?
The answer varies, but understanding it is paramount.
Why does consumer engagement matter?
It leads to better care—given by providers and received by consumers.
What is the Consumer Engagement Leadership Consortium?
An integral part of AF4Q's work.
- 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?