Monday, Jun 04,2012
By: Carrie Van Brunt-Wiley
Americans' evaluations of the cost of healthcare are making a significant impact on their choices of providers.
Data from the Thomson Reuters-NPR Health Poll found that 16 percent of Americans who received medical care in the past year looked at price information, which is up from 11 percent two years ago. Of those who sought out information, the majority said it influenced their decisions.
"It is encouraging that people are increasingly incorporating cost information into their decision-making process when determining which healthcare services they should seek and from which providers," said Dr. Raymond Fabius, chief medical officer at the healthcare business of Thomson Reuters.
Consumers received this information from a number of different sources. Of those people who looked for further data, 49 percent asked their health insurance company, while 50 percent asked their doctors. An additional 45 percent also found information online.
An increased number of people comparing costs for care may result in lower prices and greater access. A recent report from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation found that more than 48 percent of those without health insurance coverage said they had left healthcare needs unmet because of cost.
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