A recent study found large disconnects between patients, providers and payers and their views on health insurance, cost and responsibility.
Y&R's BAV Consulting conducted the study on behalf of Xerox. BAV Consulting interviewed 761 U.S. adults who purchase health insurance and serve as their household's healthcare decision makers. BAV also interviewed 204 healthcare providers and payers.
Here are seven findings from the study.
1. Almost half of healthcare consumers said they take full responsibility for their health. Less than 6 percent of healthcare professionals find this to be true.
2. Nearly 40 percent of payers and providers said consumers don't know how to take charge over their own healthcare, but less than 5 percent of consumers said this was true.
3. While 90 percent of payers and providers said patients need encouragement from their provider to live a healthy lifestyle, only 55 percent of patients said they needed such motivation.
4. Still, more than 63 percent of consumers said they wish their providers, payer and pharmacists were more connected regarding their personal health.
5. Thirty-four percent of consumers are more likely to shop around for a healthcare provider than they were one year ago. Over 70 percent of providers and payers believe patients are shopping for providers.
6. Consumers said their No. 1 priority in selecting a provider is quality of care. However, payers and providers believe patients' top priority is whether the provider takes the patient's insurance plan.
7. Although 95 percent of payers and providers think patients are delaying or not seeking care due to cost restraints, 42 percent of consumers said this is accurate.