Implications of “Consumer” Managed Health Care
Patient – Role/Identify/Rights
Is seeking care because of need
Has limited options for where/when they receive
care due to outside factors such as
insurance/financial burden
Believes that healthcare is owed to them
Views physicians as individuals providing them
with a service, but separate from their healthcare
Usually does not have a choice because they are
in a position where they need healthcare services
Less forgiving of poor service
Less tolerant of delays in care
Consumer – Role/Identify/Rights
Is seeking out services/goods because of want or
need
Can seek out goods/services from appropriate
channels, but not necessarily determined by
outside influences such as insurance/payors
Generally understands that services/goods are
not a right, but need to be earned in many cases
Takes a more active role in healthcare, seeing
physicians as tools
By taking an active role in personal healthcare,
the consumer can utilize specific services when
necessary, at their discretion
More understanding of the healthcare system as
it currently functions
More understanding of delay when it occurs, but
can seek care out elsewhere