Christopher talks health care costs, the book, and transparency on Forbes.com!!

Check out the article on the web.

Or download the PDF.

Consumerism, just like transparency, is a current industry buzz word.  It is thrown around like everyone knows exactly what “healthcare consumerism” means.  However, consumerism often refers to the “derogatory” idea of society being preoccupied with the acquisition of consumer goods. Since healthcare consumerism is intended to represent a more positive movement, I am going to lay it all out on the table.

Consumerism, in relation to healthcare, is about moving past the perception that someone else is responsible to make decisions for us. We need to shift our thinking to be more actively engaged in our health and healthcare decisions.

Think about it - active participation and education prior to decision-making occurs in almost every other industry and consumer purchase… e.g. automobiles, electronics, home buying. Why are we so inclined to remain a bystander when it comes to healthcare? We need to move past the era of the passive patient.

Lets imagine the improvement we would see if we paid attention to our healthcare costs in the same way we paid attention to the price of cars and new electronics and sought out the best price for the best services.

It may appear to be a daunting task, but with the right tools and information, individuals can be empowered to make smarter healthcare consumer decisions that reflect their personal values. This is where understanding the true cost of healthcare (i.e. transparency) comes into play.

In a world where consumers require healthcare providers to compete for our business, we will all benefit from lower prices, better services and advances in technology that  improve our healthcare system.

Transparency, accountability and competition.  Maybe, actually, in that order.

So, what can you do?

Encourage transparency.  You have a right to know how much a service will cost. One surgery center might charge $27,000 for knee surgery while another local facility charges $17,000. This is important, especially if they have the same quality ratings.  (If you say, “It doesn’t matter to me, I have insurance,”  you are part of the problem.  Would you still say that if you were paying for your entire premium and did not receive help from your employer?)

Be accountable for your healthcare decisions… become a smarter healthcare consumer. Find doctors and facilities that charge appropriately for their services and have high quality ratings.

Make providers compete for your business. Know what you are looking for from your primary care physician and other healthcare providers.  Know what quality means to you.  That’s part of actively participating in your health.

Something has to change in healthcare… and the simpliest place to start is with yourself.

SHOUTAmerica has partnered with change:healthcare inc. to address consumerism and transparency…  both part of the current healthcare crisis and debate.

Download the press release.

Check out Robert’s story and My Healthcare Is Killing Me featured on CNN’s Empowered Patient.

(Click on the story title in green to view the video!)

Check out the “Executive Appointments” in the City Paper.

http://nashvillecitypaper.com/news.php?viewStory=63082

I can only imagine how many differing opinions there are about how to solve our healthcare crisis.  But how many opinions are out there about what is wrong with our healthcare system?  Dare I start a list…

Anyhow, in doing some recreational reading and email sorting this morning, I came across a link to an article (sent from a colleague) “Government Contemplates Financial Bailout While Taxpayers File Bankruptcy for Medical Bills – When Will Congress Intervene in Skyrocketing Healthcare Costs?”  Great title, right? As I read through the article I couldn’t help but wonder how many people think that our healthcare problem should be “solved” by our government. Yes, yes, please let the government solve our healthcare crisis (read: tax payers pay for it).

I do not have beef with the article, or with the government “solving” problems for that matter.  The piece is very well written and highlights the problems and costs Americans are facing in relation to their health expenses.

I guess my question lies in this last paragraph, “The unacceptable result of all this is that an increasing number of Americans are foregoing expensive but much-needed drugs and treatments, including those for serious conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure, which if left untreated can result in worsening conditions, hospitalizations, or even death. The problems in our health care system need to be addressed by Congress now.”

Hmmmm, so what does Congress do… implement a mandatory exercise hour across America?

Our solution has to be a JOINT EFFORT.  This is not solely the government’s problem!!

Yes, a lot of this is their fault. However, I would argue that there are five major players in this mess, one of which is the government. (See my previous posts for the four contributors – since then I have added one). The other four: doctors, pharma (newly added), individuals, and insurance companies. Unfortunately, I have yet to appoint percentages of blame.

The majority of Americans know our system is failing, but are unwilling to make any sacrifices or changes. We have had a third party paying for our care for far to long, with ever increasing bottom lines and stricter rules for coverage. On top of that, the government cannot bail us out of our obesity (or sub other unhealthy behaviors) and sense of entitlement. Insurance companies sure aren’t going to help either.

There are three things that are going to help fix this system, and individual accountability is one of them.  We have to stop running to the doctor every time we have the sniffles. We must make health and wellness a priority – and start exercising.  Second, is transparency.  No one really knows what the true cost of healthcare is.  Guess what folks; an office visit does not cost $20.  To be accountable, cost and quality information must be available to consumers.  Last, is competition.  By being accountable for our decisions, and knowing the true cost and quality of healthcare, providers can begin to compete for our care. Until doctors/hospitals have to be accountable for the quality of care they provide and the amount they charge, nothing is going to change.  Every other market has competition, why should healthcare be any different.

Many humble thanks to Elizabeth Cohen, CNN Medical Correspondent. In the latest edition of her Empowered Patient segment, she was kind enough to include us in the article on “6 Ways to Save Money on Drugs and Doctors.” And we’re slated to be included in the  “House Call with Dr. Sanjay Gupta” at 830 a.m. Saturday and Sunday ET.

As a result, we’ve seen a bit of spike in traffic (and a small amount of smoke issuing from the back of the servers). They also featured our recent book, and we’re getting loads of folks downloading the free PDF version of My Healthcare Is Killing Me.

It’s a wonderful compliment, and let’s be sure the credit goes where it is due. We have a great team that supports change:healthcare. THEY make it happen, while CP and I get the handshakes and backslaps that they all deserve (we’re supposed to just look good, so if you’ve seen the book cover, you know we’re not holding up our end of the deal very well).  And a special shout out to our PR Director, Frank Limpus whose own personal PR is some of the most understated you’ll ever see.

CNN has posted 6 ways to save money on drugs and doctors and change:healthcare and My Healthcare Is Killing Me are included!!!  Check out the short list below, or the full 6 tips on their site.

1. Discount Dental Care

2. Cheaper Contact Lenses

3. Discount Drugs

4. Lower Hospital Bills

5. Even Lower Hospital Bills - “Whether your bill is big or small, it pays to negotiate, negotiate, negotiate with doctors and hospitals. Click here for a free PDF version of the new book “My Healthcare is Killing Me,” which offers tips on negotiating as well as other hints on saving money on health expenses.”

6. A Great Tax Deduction - www.changehealthcare.com can help you “keep track of your expenses, and when they get big enough, the site automatically gives you a report ready for submission to the IRS.”

Download a PDF of the CNN article.

George Sibble has been named director of finance and strategy for change:healthcare inc.

“George brings both experience and exuberance to the change:healthcare table,” Parks said in making the appointment.  “As we continue to grow and our opportunities broaden, we’ll lean on his financial expertise to help us further strengthen the bottom line.  And that will allow Robert and me to continue focusing on other aspects of our company’s development.  George’s entrepreneurial experiences will definitely benefit both us and our customers.”

Sibble graduated from Vanderbilt University with a Bachelor of Engineering degree in August 2006 and is currently completing an MBA at the Owen Graduate School of Management.  During his collegiate career, he served Owen as a Systems Analyst and the School of Engineering as an Information Technology Analyst, successfully tackling large scale IT-related projects for both schools.

He is currently President of the Max Adler Student Investment Fund at Vanderbilt and was Chief Executive Officer of a Boston, MA-based company, Paintball Guru, before selling his interest in the web-based business.  Sibble is currently working at change:healthcare in an interim capacity and is expected to join permanently in January.

Download the complete press release here.

Or check out coverage by the Tennessean.

My Healthcare Is Killing Me has been getting a little bit of buzz lately, and it’s good to hear that people are finding the content useful.

Bernard Farrell from the Diabetes Technology Blog says, “While I’m talking about reading, here’s a free book that may be really useful if you’re dealing with the US healthcare system. I just started reading My Healthcare is Killing Me! earlier today and I’ve already got some ideas for better handling myself within our (sometimes challenging) system.”

Thanks Bernard!! We are happy to hear you are finding some useful tips. We would love to hear from other readers (like you), suggestions and criticism are always welcomed as well.

You can find the FREE PDF download at www.myhealthcareiskillingme.com under the heading “Read it”