If all healthcare providers offered a menu of services and associated prices, consumers would be empowered to shop around for their medical services. This approach promotes capitalism and consumer choice, allowing providers to compete on the basics of price and quality. This increases consumer knowledge and openness to new forms of medical delivery that do not compromise medical care.
And like other services we pay for, we need information on the quality of the goods received. A future state, based on true economic principles, will lead to quality measurement, monitoring and communication. Through media, e.g. Consumer Reports and social media platforms, as well as user reviews, consumers will have the tools they need to be informed and educated. Providers will benefit from corresponding rewards and increased business or, alternatively, be affected by penalties resulting in decreased business.
