The internet is the No. 1 source consumers turn to for information about physicians and hospitals, according to a Professional Research Consultants report.
Professional Research Consultants surveyed 1,000 consumers across the country about what they consider when making important healthcare decisions.
Here are six survey findings.
1. The majority (72 percent) of consumers use the internet to find healthcare information, up from 60 percent in 2015.
2. The top five reasons consumers use the internet for healthcare information are to:
- Research a diagnosis or condition: 87 percent
- Research prescribed medications: 82 percent
- Check for symptoms: 74 percent
- Research quality of physician: 50 percent
- Search for a new physician: 50 percent
3. Fifty-three percent of consumers spoke to a physician about what they found on the internet.
4. Fifty-three percent of consumers tried treatments they found on the internet.
5. Twenty-three percent called a nurse call center, insurance company or other healthcare hotline for additional information.
6. Twenty-two percent delayed seeking healthcare services based on information they found online.
Click here to view the full report.