More than half of healthcare consumers say the most important factor for choosing a physician is their insurance coverage, according to a HealthMine report.
HealthMine surveyed 500 insured Americans for its report 2016 HealthMine Health Intelligence Report: Consumer Attitudes Toward Well-being and Doctor Selection. Here are five key notes from the report:
1. Sixty-three percent of consumers reported insurance coverage was their top issue for choosing a physician; patients choose physicians who are in their network while considering personal referrals, compatibility and technology less often.
2. More than half—52 percent—of consumers aren't familiar with health scores, but 33 percent said a health score that provided an overall view of their health was important to them.
3. Rising healthcare costs haven't meant consumers are changing the way they manage their health; 45 percent of consumers said they haven't made changes despite higher costs.
4. Most consumers — 90 percent — reported their health could be better.
5. Health plans are beginning to help members ask the right questions and guide them toward targeted providers, according to HealthMine Vice President of Product Brennan Collins.