First few Article Sentences
Consumer driven, convenient, proactive, transparent. Doesn’t sound like our industry? Healthcare is fast becoming a consumer oriented business.
Quickly disappearing are the concepts of rich benefits, low deductibles, and all encompassing physician networks. Health insurance programs designed to attract the most desirable employees have historically given companies the competitive edge. Now, the employment market has downshifted so rapidly that employers can sift through hundreds, sometimes thousands, of potential employees without regard to exclusive employee benefits. Employees used to seek services from the most expensive physicians and facilities without regard to cost. The cost of service was hidden from the employed patient. Today, an employer’s budget concern over rising insurance premiums or deductibles is offset with a high deductible health plan or health savings account. Bad for our industry? Maybe not.