Patients need to engage in their healthcare responsibilities

Regarding “Patient-data-access advocates remain frustrated but hopeful of benefits” (ModernHealthcare.com, Nov. 11), the fundamental problem with patient “access” to their records is similar to the fundamental problem with U.S. healthcare. Patients, by and large, are treated like sheep, and then we are surprised when they act that way.

No consumer would tolerate a banking system or brokerage account that failed to provide useful interactive access to their accounts, failed to provide cost transparency (for stock/bond prices and brokerage fees), including the ability to transfer their accounts to competing institutions.

Most consumers believe their financial health is their responsibility, as is the related record-keeping. And if they make bad decisions or screw up their records, they pay the price. In healthcare, however, the only apparent consumer responsibility is the ubiquitous “Ask your doctor.”

Gain weight, smoke, don’t take your meds? It costs you nothing. You pay the same insurance as those silly folks who take care of themselves. Don’t bother keeping your kids’ immunization records. The state registry or pediatrician has that responsibility, you have none.

With a system like this, how can we possibly expect consumers to take responsibility? Fortunately, rising healthcare costs are driving price-transparency demands, and it will be through those doors that consumers most rapidly march into online healthcare issues including cost options, records, etc. As costs are shifted onto consumers, they will engage. Dr. Edward Fotsch

Sausalito, Calif.