For the 2017 Patient Access Journey Report, Kyruus surveyed 1,000 consumers through Wakefield Research to better understand how consumers behave when accessing healthcare.
The largest number of patients — 38 percent — prefer to receive referrals for a healthcare provider regardless of whether they were searching for a primary care physician or specialist. However, when patients received a referral, 90 percent of respondents said they always or sometimes conduct additional research on providers.
The survey also found patients’ preferred methods for finding a provider varied when separated into generational age groups. Millennials — ages 18 to 36 — and Gen Xers —37 to 52 — rely more on conducting independent research than baby boomers — 53 to 71 — to find information on providers.
Forty-one percent of Millennials and 38 percent of Gen Xers said they favor independent research. In contrast, less than one third of baby boomers said they prefer to conduct independent research, while 45 percent of baby boomers said they prefer referrals.
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