The New Health Care Reality: Consumers Leading The Way

In American culture, there is no doubt that the “consumer” reigns supreme. While this consumer mindset has long been present in other areas of American life, it is a relatively recent development when it comes to health care.

Historically, the "patient" relationship with the health care system was based on an “authoritarian” model of care – the "man" in the white cost was the expert and the patient was a passive participant in the process.  A patient would select a physician based on geography or finances – and make an appointment. Services were delivered in the physician's office for a face . . .