Smarter Patient - Lower Cost

A smarter consumer makes better choices, which leads to lower cost. My mom being a nurse knew when to asks questions and when to probe for other solutions. She didn't have all the knowledge but she knew enough and knew what to expect.

In health care the power has been with the physician. The patient didn't question the recommendations. In comparison, we do not unquestioningly accept a mechanics recommendation. By questioning the mechanic a solution that matches your value of quality and cost is found.

The improvement for health care is to give the patient information on a procedure before they enter the doctor's office. The information is the expected process and the three questions the patient needs to have answered before leaving. This bit of knowledge gives the patient leverage to ask questions. For instance, if the patient sees that some steps are not being performed the patient will ask. The step may have been overlooked or due to other factors was removed. The value is a check and balance. As well, the questioning can lead to a different solution that leads to better health and lower costs.