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Study finds patients want convenience, service
Most patients still consider their primary care physicians as a trusted source, even ahead of hospitals and health plans. However, they also want a more convenient and accessible health care system, according to a newly released survey.
The Deloitte Center for Health Solutions asked more than 3,000 Americans what they liked and disliked about health care and how they thought the system should be improved.
Results of the study found:
- 60 percent of consumers wanted physicians to provide online access to medical records, test results and appointment scheduling; one in four said they would pay more for these services
- 18 percent said they switched to a new physician in the past 24 months compared to 41 percent who said they might in the future
- 12 percent used an insurance company site to check prices of services and 5 percent consulted a physician Web site for similar information
- 93 percent said they were not prepared for future health care costs
- One in three said they wanted more holistic/alternative therapies in their treatment program
- 8 percent said they understood their insurance policies completely
- 29 percent supported a tax increase to help cover the uninsured; another 37 percent said they would consider a tax hike
“More than anything, the findings convince us that Americans no longer see themselves only as patients, but as consumers who want to take greater control of their health care,” said Paul Keckley, director of the study. “Consumers will redefine our health care market, but how they do it is the most important strategic question the health care industry must answer.”
Deloitte Center for Health Solutions survey>>
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