The Medical Professionalism Blog

There has been a long debate among health care policy wonks, thought leaders, patient and consumer advocates, and the public about the use of the word “consumer” versus “patient.” Similar debates have ensued about the use of “provider” when referring to physicians, hospitals and other clinicians.

I recently heard an interesting exchange between a physician leader and patient advocate around this issue:

The patient advocate felt that “consumer” communicated a higher status for those obtaining medical care.  It signified more of a partnership between the person receiving care and the physician—as a “consumer,” they were more actively engaged.

The physician leader felt that by using “patient,” physicians are held to a higher standard of behavior—physicians have certain professional obligations to a “patient” that are of a higher ethical and moral standard than to a “consumer.” A physician is professionally obligated not to abandon their patients despite their behavior.  Physicians give special treatment and care for people who are ill and vulnerable.  On the other hand, an airline that mistreats a consumer does not violate a professional oath or code even if their actions might damage the airline’s reputation.

The use of “consumer of health care” or “patient” really is dependent on the activity the person is involved in at a particular time.  Most of the time, people do not want to be referred to as either.  My 90-year-old mother, who has multiple cardiac illnesses and a rod in her femur, said she would not like to be considered a “patient” or a “consumer.” Rather, she would prefer to be Roz, grandmother, mother or friend.

How I distinguish between “consumer” and “patient:”

• When someone is selecting a health insurance or a particular physician, they are acting as a “consumer.”  They are interested in the features and cost of insurance, and consuming information on which physician to select.
• When a person is seeking or receiving care from a physician or other clinician they are a “patient.”

No matter which term the community chooses to define those receiving care, this exchange is the first step in forging language that demonstrates mutual respect for the patient and physician – the key to medical professionalism.  Patient, consumer, physician or provider… let’s call the whole thing off.  Instead, let’s focus on the relationship and the person behind the label.