I found the article published today on MSNBC.com by Bill Dedman a perfect fit to this discussion of the patient side of healthcare. However, despite the fact that “Clinic with two doors, a Symbol of Two-Tier Care” makes one think about where he or she fits in the world of concierge healthcare and what is important to them as consumers, it just focuses attention on what money can buy. So what else is new?
Don’t get more wrong, I doubt if anyone reading this article thinks they should be getting premier healthcare service for a mammogram where the insurance company picks up the $140 tab. But the perception is that consumers are not entitled to great service unless they are paying top dollar. My concern is that we are being lulled into believing that that is going to be the case going forward. My sincere hope is that consumers don’t buy it and healthcare providers don’t perpetuate it.