Consumer Health and Examples of Consumer Health Decision Making

To Be an Intelligent Consumer
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To Be an Intelligent Consumer
Consumer Health and Examples of Consumer Health Decision Making
According to Butler (2012), consumer health entails all elements of the marketplace linked to the buying of medical products and services. It comprises things such as buying a bottle of supplements, a dentifrice, cold medication, or fitness equipment and choosing a dentist, health care provider, medical insurance cover, Website, book, or another basis of information. Besides, consumer health has equally positive and negative features. On the positive side, it entails the facts and indulgence that allow individuals to make therapeutically and economically comprehensive choices. On the downside, it means avoiding poor decisions based on misinformation, deception, or other factors.
The first consumer health decision making is medical insurance plan enrollment choices. According to Shaller Consulting (2006), the consumer has to make choices about various plan types, level of costs and benefits. Consumers have to compare premiums and benefits of different health plans provided by insurance companies or employees. Once enrolled in a medical plan, consumers have to choose individual health care providers for treatment, including hospitals and physicians. Selecting a type of coverage and a health plan is among the complex health decisions consumers have to make. The second health decision making is care and treatment alternatives related to a particular condition or health-inclined issue. Shaller Consulting (2006) states that consumers look for information about issues such as drugs, diet, fitness, experimental treatments and specific hospitals and doctors. Informed consumers ask detailed information and express individual values as well ...