"We believe consumers should have at least as much information about health care as they do about cars or computers," UICI CEO Bill Gedwed said.

Yes, we all know that consumer-driven healthcare could be one of the largest drivers for change in healthcare in the next 5-10 years. This report puts it into context about just how early it still is. Check out these stats:

- 56% of those who have bought cars in the last 5 years used the internet to help make the choice and spent 5+ hours doing so
- 44% of those who have bought a computer in the last 5 years used the internet to help make the choice and spent 4+ hours doing so
- 22% of those who choose a new doctor used the internet for help, and spent 2 hours doing so
- 12% of hospital patients used the internet to choose a hospital.

What this report tells me is this:
(1) Most people don't think of using the internet to look for hospital quality/pricing/info. To be honest, we can't blame them - current sites don't get much awareness. Plus, a true leader hasn't emerged.
(2) There will be many more reports like this that compare hospital shopping to computer / car / airline ticket / TV shopping. That will inevitably get more people to rethink their hospital experience.
(3) As more hospital data becomes readily available, more marketing will occur. Hospitals, the towns they reside in, and local realtors (good schools won't be enough anymore) will boast about their high rankings.
(4) Hospital leaders will see the fight for more patient volume intensify and be increasingly about "marketable quality."