Quote Unquote…patients or consumers??

Today’s challege was to go to the WEGO Health site and grab a quote and start blogging. The quote I chose is written by Paul Krugman in the April 21, 2011 edition of the New York Times.

“How did it become normal, or for that matter even acceptable, to refer to medical patients as “consumers”? The relationship between patient and doctor used to be considered something special, almost sacred. Now politicians and supposed reformers talk about the act of receiving care as if it were no different from a commercial transaction, like buying a car — and their only complaint is that it isn’t commercial enough.”

I’ve often wondered about this change in venacular to consumer from patient. Consumers typically pick and choose their likes and dislikes. I don’t know that any people with a mental illness chose their illness. Yes, there are choices when it comes to healthcare, but really, are patients truly consumers? Since when did the term “patient” imply weakness?

When I go the my general practictioner, I go as a patient, not a consumer. I’m not interested in what she can sell me — I want her to help me recover from whatever ails me.

I’m not sure what motivated this change, but I’m interested in hearing your thoughts. Do you prefer to be called a patient or a consumer by your doctor?

This post was written as part of NHBPM – 30 Health posts in 30 days http://bit.ly/vU09gJ