While physicians are equipped to treat patients, they can't make all the decisions for them, so it is imperative that patients educate themselves about the potential risks and alternatives associated with their care in order to make informed decisions; this topic was the focus of a recent event hosted by the Alliance for Health reform, during which a panel of health analysts spoke about tools patients can use to make better decisions about their healthcare.
According to Benjamin Moulton, J.D., M.P.H., senior vice president for policy and advocacy at the Informed Medical Decisions Foundation, 25 to 30 percent of all medical care is "preference-sensitive," meaning decisions must be shared by the patient and the physician. He noted that all decision-making should be based on "mutual respect" and "open and honest transparent communication."
"It is not a ritualistic signature on a form, and the patient is entitled to accept or reject whatever is proposed before them," Moulton said.
Certified decision aids can also assist patients in considering their values and finances. Patients need to be well-versed about their healthcare coverage to make responsible decisions.
"In the past, employees were at the back of the chorus line because employers made decisions about healthcare," said panelist Robin Gelburd, president of FAIR Health. "Consumers are now at center stage, but they don't have the script to navigate the insurance play."
