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Modern medicine; modern consumerism.
1American Medical Consumers, La Crescenta, CA, USA.
Administrative Radiology Journal : AR
|May 27, 1999
Summary
Consumers are increasingly taking charge of healthcare spending, driving demand for direct-to-consumer health products and services. This shift benefits medical technology companies and highlights patient interest in advanced imaging and radiotherapy.
Area of Science:
- Healthcare delivery systems
- Medical consumerism
- Health economics
Background:
- The current healthcare system lacks robust consumerism.
- Increasing patient responsibility for healthcare expenditures is anticipated.
- This shift presents opportunities for health product and service promotion.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the emerging role of consumerism in healthcare.
- To identify key areas of interest for medical consumers regarding radiologic services.
- To understand the implications for health technology and service providers.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of consumer inquiries regarding access to and utilization of radiologic services.
- Identification of specific technologies and treatments of interest to patients.
- Focus on patient and caregiver concerns, particularly for brain tumor and prostate cancer.
Main Results:
- Medical consumerism is poised to grow as individuals manage healthcare spending.
- High-demand radiologic services include ultrasonography, MRI, interventional radiology, gamma-knife surgery, and advanced radiotherapy.
- Brain tumor and prostate cancer patients show particular interest in radiotherapy options.
Conclusions:
- The rise of medical consumerism will reshape healthcare delivery.
- Direct promotion of health products and services to consumers will increase.
- Advanced diagnostic and therapeutic technologies, especially radiotherapy, are key areas of patient interest.