More Americans Want Pricing to Be a Part of the Medical Conversation
The dollars and cents of medical care have long been shrouded in mystery, but renewed efforts by government leaders and consumer groups are compelling more physicians to bring up the issue of cost. A poll conducted by Public Agenda found that almost 70 percent of Americans would like for their doctor to discuss cost with them. In part, this has been sparked by the national debate surrounding health care reform and the continual rise in out of pocket expenses, but it is also being fueled by strengthening consumer activism that empowers patients to shop around. Most medical providers are unwilling to broach the issue of treatment costs, perhaps out of deference to the medical ethic to provide the best care possible regardless of the price tag. While this idealistic…