Health Affairs, 24, no. 6 (2005): 1501-1511 doi: 10.1377/hlthaff.24.6.1501 © 2005 by Project HOPE	New Online   Pay Cuts For Medicare Docs   Access To Care Woes   Public Coverage More Efficient   Empowering Consumers

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Consumerism

Coordinated Agency Versus Autonomous Consumers In Health Services Markets

Despite widespread acceptance of the competitive market model in the U.S. health care system, debate continues regarding the optimal form of competition and the patient-professional relationship. The managed care model envisions organizations that act as the consumer’s agent, addressing the challenges that consumers face in the market for health care services. The consumer-directed health plan model envisions autonomous, well-informed, price-conscious consumers shopping among providers unconstrained by organizational affiliations. Although advocates of these two approaches stress their philosophical differences, the realities of the market suggest that both models, as well as hybrids, might be valued by consumers.

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				P. B. Ginsburg Shopping For Price In Medical Care Health Aff., March 1, 2007; 26(2): w208 - w216. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]