The realization of change in the U.S. health care system has, in many ways, been centralized in the Health 2.0 movement (see the always excellent The Health Care Blog for the full scoop on all Health 2.0 happenings).
Health 1.0 was characterized by disenfranchised patients and a "Dr. Knows Best" approach. This model has effectively given way to the Health 2.0 model, which is more interested in giving consumers the information they need to make more informed choices about their health care. The empowered consumer, the argument goes, will make the system more efficient and individuals healthier.
The individual responsibility prized in the Health 2.0 model may soon give way to Health 3.0. In this model, personal responsibility becomes part of the social contract we all have with one another. Not only will consumers be given the tools and information they need to make better choices -- they'll be expected to do so. And there will be consequences for not doing so.
Just as the government and some private insurers are moving to a "pay for performance" model with physicians and hospitals, so too are employers now beginning to require their employees maintain a certain level of physical health in order to receive the benefits of the company's health plan. This is Health 3.0. It is the completion of the movement from disempowerment to empowerment to expectation, and we anticipate that it will be an important part of the health care reform solution.
Just added my own blog this month. I need some inspiration. Thx.
Posted by: Bill | October 05, 2009 at 06:49 AM