Some of the changes have been hard to swallow. More paperwork, complicated insurance policies and exemptions, have made it more difficult for the average consumer to keep abreast of what's happening with their health care. More pressure is also put upon physicians, who have to become savvy in business as well as their profession of delivering care. Some of the changes have been positive. Consumers learning to take responsibility for their own health care - to ask questions, and become partners with their physicians.
Patients have more choices, and most importantly, local choices.
Seeking specialized care no longer necessitates a drive to Syracuse. Good or bad, health care has turned into big business. Much of the growth in recent years is directly related to the focus on primary health care, or providing basic well and sick care to people of all ages. The idea that providing health services to people as a preventive measure would lower the cost of health care for consumers and government-subsidized care launched a health care revolution. Since 1991, at least seven major health care facilities have been built in Oswego County in response to a need for primary care providers.