NEWS — MARCH 2005
CONSUMER HEALTH CARE
Consumer Health Web Sites
On March 8th, Jupiter Research provided an overview from a new report about online health support groups and consumer health content. Findings revealed that up to 20% of online consumers look to other consumers’ health advice on the Web. Many are looking for practical information about a chronic illness or a current health problem. This preference for consumer-generated health materials could adversely impact online advertising and marketing efforts made by pharmaceutical manufacturers.
Health Award for the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s Web Site
As announced earlier this month, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) got its first silver in the Fall/Winter 2004 World Wide Web Health Awards sponsored by the Health Information Resources Center . According to FDA sources, the goal is to provide consumers with timely, user-friendly access to important health information via the Internet. Ideally, the Health Awards evaluate and recognize the best Web sites, based on criteria such as content, creativity, and quality. Judges include individuals from leading academic, health, and Internet organizations.
Consumer Health Alliance — Discount Health Care Options & Concerns
In response to publication of a survey-based report from the Commonwealth Fund, the Consumer Health Alliance (CHA) released comments and statistics regarding discount health care and physician programs. Approximately 21 million consumers have opted for discount health care programs through CHA member companies. Most memberships are renewed each month, and 90% documented renewal rates among some CHA member companies suggests that consumers are satisfied with the services. Discount physician programs represent less than 10% of all programs. The majority of services include varied services, including: chiropractic, dental, hearing, pharmacy, and vision.
Ideally, discount health care programs provide significant cost savings for uninsured individuals and families. However, at least one media investigation and the Commonwealth Fund report suggest that some companies are not providing the reduced costs consumers expect from purchasing medical discount cards. Recent legislation in Florida has also addressed this issue by requiring companies to supply proof of written agreements that have been established with health care service providers.
