title: Paying for the privilege. Some healthcare service awards are raising eyebrows among competitors, who question validity and application fees.
abstract: Hospitals hunting for a new marketing edge have found it--awards. The latest is the Choice Award, sponsored by an alliance formed by Ric Parr (left). This new focus on highlighting performance and service through laurels reflects a widening trend in consumer-driven healthcare.
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Romano
mesh_terms: D001363:Awards and Prizes; D016520:Entrepreneurship; D005249:Fees and Charges; D006761:Hospitals / Q000592:standards*; D008389:Marketing of Health Services / Q000191:economics*; D014481:United States