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Article: U.S. health care in conflict -- part II: the challenges of balancing cost quality and access. (Policy).(consumers and insurers negatively affecting health care industry)
- Article from:
- Physician Executive
- Article date:
- September 1, 2002
- Author:
CopyrightCOPYRIGHT 2002 American College of Physician Executives. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
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MANY HEALTH CARE consumers of the 21st century are becoming more demanding of their providers as they are actively involved in making choices about the health care they receive.
Three characteristics distinguish these "new" consumers from traditional consumers of health care services:
1. Cash
2. College
3. Computers (1)
First, the increased level of disposable income creates the opportunity for discretion in purchasing. Consumers can choose between a more expensive health plan that offers choice in physicians or extended services or decide on alternative medicine approaches. Conversely, they can skimp on health care and ...