Responsible for outcomes, but not in control of the payment mechanism, the provider has also suffered under third-party involvement. Health care has become an entitlement in this country. Federal and state mandates invariably increase the cost of health care. In some cases, mandates supersede sound medical judgment. The definition of consumerism and the role of the emergence of consumerism in health care.
Consumerism emerges when the user of a service makes decisions about and pays for the service.
One reason consumerism is emerging is the divergence between what employers are contributing to health care and the continually increasing amounts spent on health care. The consumer is paying the difference. This is going to continue as costs continue to rise. Another reason consumerism is emerging is the power of new technology to inform and educate patients so that they can be well informed about their needs for health care. In addition, consumerism leads to demand for change and demand for best practice and quality.