External Influences on Consumer Choices
Healthcare consumers receive various communications about
different health care options. It is important to understand consumer
demographics to determine the impact (positive or negative) media, social
networks, branding, marketing, and communication play in health care consumer
choices. In this assignment you will research managed care plans to determine
what impact social media and other external influences have on consumer
behaviors.
Research the different managed care insurance plans listed
below by reviewing various health care organizations or resources (e.g., Kaiser
as an HMO). Consider within your research who might access the health care
systems (i.e., age, generation, socioeconomic status, military/veteran, and
health care insurance plans, etc.). List 2 advantages for the HMOs, PPOs, and
POSs and 2 disadvantages of each of the same in a chart like the one below:
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Health Maintenance Organization (HMO)
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Preferred Provider Organization (PPO)
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Point of Service (POS)
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Advantages
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1.
2.
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1.
2.
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1.
2.
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Disadvantages
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1.
2.
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1.
2.
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1.
2.
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Write a 90- to 175-word response to the following
prompts. Consider the information you listed above and what you know about
consumer behavior when you compose your response.
1. Explain
the impact media and social networking have on consumers when choosing the most
appropriate plans. Consider the positive and negative impact.
2. Discuss
how branding, marketing, and communication influences a consumer’s choice when
considering an appropriate plan. Consider positive and negative influence.
3. Explain
how communication and education to consumers differs by generations when
marketing plans.
a. Consider
why it is important to communicate and educate differently between generations.
Cite 2 peer-reviewed,
scholarly, or similar references.
Write a 175- to 265-word response to the following question:
·
What are challenges of modes of
electronic communication within the health care market?
·
How has social media influenced the
marketing of health care? Provide an example?
·
What are some ways consumers share
health care information? What is your preference of communication?