Stafford , TX Day 2

Consumers are perplexed by our discussion of evidence based medicine – not because they don’t understand it, they assume that is the way medicine should be practiced. They think that the best docs, the right doc for them , not necessarily their current physician, would practice medicine in this manner. The idea that a doctor would base their decisions on what has proven to be effective, explain their various therapeutic options, and include them in the decision process – ask their opinions and weigh these needs is ideal,

Consumers have real reservations about getting the newest drug. They want a common sense approach. They would prefer to be prescribed a drug that has a history and has proven to be effective and safe. Overall, there is a sense that the medical community is to willing to push the newest innovation “Sounds like drug companies are just pushing the newest drugs…seems to me that they just want you to keep on taking medicine.”

Cost continued to be the key issue. Costs were seen as out of control --, $800 for blood work, $1,200 10-minute EKG, high cost of prescription drugs, Greed ascribed as a reason by some. Too most it seemed that everyone was trying to make money – the system seemed designed to run up cost. No one is seen as managing the underlying cost rather they simply manage the profits. When costs get out of control the system was not seen as addressing that issue, rather providers, insurance companies, and government simply turn to consumers for more money,

These consumers agreed that a fundamental change is needed. No one should be shut out of the health system because of ability to pay and neither should families be driven to financial ruin because of one illness or injury. They strongly support that there should be a basic level of care extended to all Americans. The notion of a socialized system is strongly rejected. What these consumers are looking for is a distinctly American system. They believe health care should not be free, but the costs should be reasonable. Healthcare is seen as a right, not quite at the level of free speech, but it should be something every American should have access to.

On to Iowa.