“Fair and balanced.”

You hear this phrase from many different sources. It conjures up something within us that we all desire to have when making critical decisions. Understanding the pros and cons on any given issue is important to most of us. But do we really receive the “truth” or the “transparency” that will allow us to draw our own conclusions on the subject matter at hand? It really depends on the source of the information…so I believe.

The reason for this particular blog stems from a presentation that I recently gave at the “2012 Iowa Employment Conference” in Altoona. Much of my presentation focused on the health insurance trends in Iowa based on our annual studies. The trends by the way, are dismal at best, unsustainable at worst (another blog for later). When discussing potential solutions for employers, a few topics were breached such as consumer-driven health plans, wellness initiatives, and health reform measures. I mentioned that each topic will usually have many arguments (both pro and con), in addition to having both intended and unintended consequences. To know the subject matter well, I suggested to the audience to have a comfort level with their SOURCE of information (publications, media outlets, research organizations, etc.).

Much to my surprise, a hand was raised that followed with this question: “Which sources do YOU trust?” This question came out of the blue for me, but was asked in a thoughtful manner. I don’t quite remember my response that day, but since that presentation, I have had time to further reflect on this question. The word ‘Trust’ is defined in the Merriam-Webster dictionary as “assured reliance on the character, ability, strength, or truth of someone or something.” Another definition is “one in which confidence is placed.” I like both.

Regarding health care related stuff (including health insurance programs offered by employers), I TRUST a few particular sources. Each source has earned my trust over the years due to consistent research that attempts to factor out biases that typically are inherent in any type of research. Also, the authors of such research will generally disclose any potential outside influences that may mitigate the truthfulness of the results.

In no particular order, my short list of trusted sources is found below:

• Health Affairs Journal – Many authors (national and international experts) write thought-provoking articles on highly researched thematic topics each month.  This is the gold standard because the information is fresh and relevant at all times. I also download their free podcasts and listen to them while I run in the morning. A subscription is necessary for this journal…but it is well worth the investment.
• RAND Corporation – RAND provides objective research on many issues, including healthcare. Rand provides very innovative material…much of it can be found on their website at no cost!
• Kaiser Family Foundation – Most information is at no cost…and there is a ton of information on many different health topics. A great go-to source!
• Dartmouth Atlas of Health Care – The pioneer on the disparity of health care delivery in the U.S.

There are other sources that I highly value, but those sources (at least in my view) tend to be a level below the four mentioned above. Just know that the SOURCE of information is just as important as the content of the information being conveyed.

President Reagan adopted a signature phrase and made famous when discussing U.S. relations with the Soviet Union:  “Trust, but verify.” This phrase can also be applied to healthcare information and many other topics!