5 star doctors only! 3 out of 4 people use online reviews to find new doctors

NEW YORK – According to a new study, about three out of four patients keep a “mental scorecard” of everything they like and dislike about a doctor’s office.

In a recent poll of 2,000 Americans — including 1,500 who have health insurance and 500 who don’t — nearly four in five respondents (79%) value things like speed and waiting time to see a doctor.

When deciding to stay with the same doctor, two-thirds also value their doctor’s personality and commitment, and 39% changed doctors because office staff were unfriendly. . Another two in five respondents found themselves in a new office due to a change in insurance. Thirty-five percent did so to find a “better-suited” doctor.

The survey, conducted by OnePoll on behalf of practice technology leader ModMed, also asked respondents about their experiences with the technology used by their medical practices. Overall, nine in 10 say they value their doctor’s use of the latest technology.

For 61% of respondents, the possibility of making appointments online is an important factor in deciding whether or not to stay with a doctor. Before going to an appointment with a new doctor, 38% check the doctor’s office website and nearly three-quarters (74%) value online reviews when selecting a new one. doctor.

Four strikes and you’re out!

After the appointment, 59% say they are more likely to pay a bill faster if they have the option to do so online, and 44% prefer to access test results online or through a web portal. Interestingly, Americans will give new doctors an average of four chances before moving on.

“The survey demonstrates that patients want to be able to easily schedule appointments and communicate with their provider before, during and after an appointment, a trend that was emerging before the pandemic, but has accelerated as a result,” explains Daniel Cane, CEO and co-founder of ModMed, in a press release. “Patients are increasingly interested in playing a greater role in the management of their healthcare. Whether it’s scheduling their own appointments, accessing medical records, or making payments from their phones, the appetite for patient engagement continues to grow. »

Although 38% of respondents noticed an influx of new telehealth or virtual appointment options, 38% prefer having an in-person first appointment, compared to 20% who prefer a virtual visit.

The survey also suggests that patients want telehealth to remain an option post-pandemic. While two-thirds believe that routine and virtual medical visits are not as effective as in-person visits, nearly one in four (22%) believe that virtual visits are particularly beneficial for urgent or urgent visits.

Communication is still key for doctors and patients

When it’s time for an appointment, nearly half of respondents (46%) prefer their doctor to use a tablet to review their medical history or take notes. These preferences also extend beyond the appointment; 46% prefer requesting prescription refills through an app, and two in five prefer to message their doctor virtually.

After their first appointment, respondents were split on the type of appointment they preferred for a follow-up. A third prefer a mix of both in-person and virtual, compared to those who prefer either (37% vs. 26%, respectively).

Regardless of the location of the appointment, 70% find it important that their doctor’s office engages in follow-up communication. More than a third (36%) prefer follow-up communication to be by phone and 23% prefer email.

“The main thing for me as a doctor is to see patients rather than register them. Looking directly at my patients takes on added importance and meaning. Because our electronic health record technology works seamlessly on an iPad, it allows me to spend more face-to-face time with patients,” says Veling Tsai, MD at Caring ENT.