The rising tide of consumerism in health care will determine which physicians sink or swim in the next few years, experts warn. Already, patients armed with medical information from the Internet are demanding more involvement in their own health care.
Studies show they are even willing to change doctors at the click of a mouse to get what they want.
In the past two years, half of America's 100 million households have chosen a new doctor, according to a study commissioned by VHA, a nationwide network of medical providers. Despite physicians' belief that managed care is to blame, patients actually cite dissatisfaction with their doctors as the top reason for switching, the study shows. Patients are paying a bigger share of their medical tab, which makes them more concerned about where the money goes. Consumers, too, are more educated about health care, collecting information from web sites and from drug companies' advertisements. At the same time, consumers increasingly feel alienated by their medical providers, including physicians who spend less time with them.