There was a great story about online doctor shopping from The Associated Press in early February. A Minnesota company, Carol, launched in January its Web site that allows consumers to evaluate the quality and price of medical services.

It seems very similar to using the Web for car buying or comparing prices and quality of electronics. At Carol.com, consumers in the Twin Cities can compare the cost of medical procedures, exams or check-ups, as well as get practice descriptions and ratings.

Of course, there will be several in the health care realm who will come out against such Web sites. In the story, one doctor says health care is “too critical” to let the marketplace decide. And, to an extent, his point makes sense. The relationship with a family doctor, surgeon or nurse is a personal one, largely based on trust. Health care choice is far different from the decisions we make on weekly shopping trips, and we shouldn’t place a price tag on a limb, a heart or even a life.

An analyst in the story says people don’t make price an issue when it comes to health care, and for those with good insurance, that’s probably true. However, isn’t the modern-day health care crisis partly attributable to the high cost of health insurance? Wouldn’t the ability to shop for competitively priced or more effective health care help lower insurance costs and provide for improved care?

Consumers with good insurance might not care about the price of check-ups or procedures, but they certainly want top-quality care and likely, lower monthly health insurance costs. Those with poor health insurance, too, could benefit from doctor ratings and reviews if they have limited practitioner choices. Those without insurance could benefit from cost comparisons.

What’s more, a story at Enzyme Experts reveals that consumers get second opinions only 50% of the time. Shopping online for medical care could make finding a second, or even third, physician much easier.

Of course, for safe, effective health care, consumers can find Advanced Formula™ and BioSET™ practitioners who practice enzyme therapy in their areas. For more information on these practitioners and enzyme-based products, e-mail marketing@enzymesinc.com.

This entry was posted on Monday, February 18th, 2008 at 5:16 pm and is filed under Enzyme Supplements, Enzymes.

Tags: Carol, health care, health insurance, lower cost health insurance