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Date Posted: 12:13:36 01/27/08 Sun
Author: klutz
Subject: Re: So I asked you all about health care a while ago...
In reply to: Jennn 's message, "Re: So I asked you all about health care a while ago..." on 06:41:04 01/27/08 Sun

You have a point, but self-diagnosis (and misdiagnosis) isn't a new concept. People already do that and make appointments for incorrect treatment. Health care professionals don't hold a patient to the original purpose just because he said he had a urinary tract infection which really turned out to be diabetes. Instead, the doctor performs the exam, determines what the right tests are, and offers the appropriate treatment or follow-up recommendations. The cost may be different than originally planned but it's not like that patient would pay for urinary infection *and* diabetes treatments, just the cost of the actual care. That still holds true here.

That isn't really the point of the site, though. One of the purposes is to change the way health care is sought or "consumed" by adopting a retail philosophy. Historically, we've passively accepted what our insurance will cover, ignored the actual cost because we have a set copayment fee (if that), gone to an in-network hospital or clinic seeing only participating practitioners and if we were referred to a specialist or to a lab for tests, we typically went to the one recommended without considering other options. Who's in the driver's seat in this scenario?

For example, the cost of an annual exam for women 18-34 ranges from $200-$275. A back pain evaluation ranges from $204-$287. No real possibility of incorrectly self-diagnosing either of these: you know you need an annual exam and you know if your back hurts or not. :) Whatever type of treatment I'm seeking, even if I'm not insured, if I can choose a less-expensive option for the same care and am satisfied with it, I've already taken a first (small) step in reducing overall health care costs and driving prices down. That last bit is already working -- some care packages were pulled for rework by the providers: one competitor was charging up to $150 more than another for the same services. We have a state transparency law requiring that all health care prices be available to consumers -- it's just never been presented so bluntly before.

Of course, price isn't the only concern; I want a doctor or other professional to be competent, trustworthy, and have a great bedside manner. But more expensive doesn't guarantee that. Price is only one facet of the overall decision-making process. We're striving to make that easier by presenting comparisons, user-based ratings, open forums, a blog, etc.

Besides, how many people spend more time shopping for homes, cars, travel, and even shoes than they do health care? I have. Travel might be done in a week, shoes worn out in a year, cars in a few years, homes sold in 10... but health care is cumulative and forever -- each of us should have the opportunity to play a more active role in it, and that's what the site is trying to offer.

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