It's time to have some real dialogue around the issue of health care value in this country. New information from the Spectrum Health Value StudyTM provides a mirror of what the America people value when they are spending their own health care dollars on health care for themselves and their families.
Although there is plenty of discussion about health care access and quality, the fact is health care is a three-legged, not a two legged, stool. Access and quality must be steadied by value in health care. Without value, people don't know what they are buying and/or they fail to understand the relative value of health care services like immunizations, a visit to the doctor or a trip to the emergency room.
Today we released the results of a new study on how Americans value health care. The study reports and additional information can be found at our website www.healthvaluestudy.com. We will continue to conduct the study on a quarterly basis to grow the data and better understand - and hopefully inform, the debate on health care reform.
We did this study because we were curious about how Americans value health care services. Our findings include some surprises in areas including:
- mental health value
- preventive health services
- nutrition and
- access
Last week, GE announced a six billion (yes, with a "B") dollar program to improve health care. GE chairman and CEO Jeff Immelt was quoted as saying, "Health care is an important industry that is challenged by rising costs, inequality of access and persistent quality issues."
Again, the discussion is around access and quality with no mention of value. When you are preparing to spend six billion dollars, one would think you would be somewhat concerned about value! We want to be that 'someone' talking about value. We hope you will join the dialogue.
Audrey Spolarich, Senior Research Advisor
Tags: Health Care Access, Health Care Quality, Health Reform, Health Value Study, Spectrum
