Public input sought on improving health care system in Minnesota

Talk about it

Minnesotans are invited to complete an online survey to share their perspectives about health care.

This consumer survey is part of an effort to reform health care in Minnesota in ways that will improve the health of all Minnesotans, enhance the patient experience and contain the costs of health care, according to the Minnesota Academy of Family Physicians Foundation. The public’s input is vital to learn how best to move forward with health care reform, the foundation added.

Survey responses are confidential and will be used to help improve health care in Minnesota. Anyone taking the survey must be 18 or older and reside in Minnesota.

The survey is available at http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=5ke_2brtGCscMwTOdPibodaO_3d_3d. Participants may fill out the survey for themselves, as the patient or as the caregiver for another person. The deadline to complete the survey is May 27, 2009.

The online survey takes less than 15 minutes to complete. Sample questions include: What’s the most important health care issue that you face? What do you need most from your clinic or doctor’s office? What kinds of experiences have you had with your own health care, or while caring for a family member?

A summary final report will be posted this summer on the Minnesota Department of Health’s health reform website at http://www.health.state.mn.us/healthreform/.

The surveys may be faxed or mailed to those who require an alternative format. To request a copy of the survey, contact the Minnesota Academy of Family Physicians Foundation at (952) 224-3873 or e-mail survey@mafp.org.

The survey is being conducted by Minnesota Academy of Family Physicians Foundation, Minnesota Academy of Family Physicians, Minnesota Academy of Pediatrics Foundation, Stratis Health and the Minnesota Chapter of the American College of Physicians through a contract with the Minnesota Department of Health.

Tags: state news, news, state, health, care