Promoting education and transparency for healthcare consumers
PATIENT CHOICES
"Patient Choices" refers to taking the knowledge gained throughout Healthcare Whiz and using it to make informed decisions. This is where we'll dive into how educated consumers can strive for QSA Optimization. To accomplish this, we'll imagine a scenario where you, as a patient, need to seek out medical care. We'll then walk through some general questions you might consider and offer some options based on potential circumstances. Healthcare Whiz must reiterate here that every situation is different, and we are in no way offering medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We are simply trying to inform the everyday consumer of his or her options in an attempt to help maximize quality and service while minimizing cost. As we'll see, many of the questions raised here should be considered well before a treatment need presents itself.
What is the Urgency of Treatment Need?
Is this an emergency? If the answer is yes, call 9-1-1 immediately and go to the nearest emergency room. If it is not an emergency, then there are some other things to consider.
Read moreWhat is the Insurance and Financial Situation?
Do you have health insurance? If so, how robust are the benefits? How restricted is the plan's network? What is your ability to pay any out-of-pocket costs?
Read moreWhat Provider Option Achieves QSA Optimization?
Based on the circumstances and the provider options available in your community and under your insurance plan, what care setting, or settings, will offer you the right balance of high quality care, enjoyable patient experience, and affordability?
Read moreMake a Decision
This one requires no "Read more" link. Take everything into account and make the best decision possible. It's important to note that not everyone will come to the same conclusion, and that's okay. There is no one ideal option for everybody. Those who value quality above all else may be okay with a higher cost option. Those whose main concern is cost may be able to live with an affordable option whose quality is harder to assess. The important thing is to know your options and make the right decision for you!
One final comment here, and take it for what it's worth. When seeking medical care, we have to keep in mind that all physicians are highly trained and the vast majority truly have the patient's best interest at heart. Are there bad doctors out there? Of course. However, we believe it's possible to weed out some of those by knowing your options and doing a little homework. Still, you're never going to know everything, and eventually you'll need to take a leap of faith or become paralyzed by indecision. Make the best decision possible and be confident in it. We can't guarantee that you'll have a good experience or positive outcome, but take solace in the fact that you've done your part as an informed consumer. For suggestions on how to find and compare providers, please visit Provider Resources and Quality Resources.