The plurality of patients — 38 percent — cite referral from a healthcare professional as their preferred method for finding a provider, according to a Kyruus report.
For the report, titled the "2017 Patient Access Journey Report," Kyruus tapped Wakefield Research to survey 1,000 patients, all of whom reported searching for a healthcare provider during the last two years. The respondents provided insight into how they searched for and selected providers.
Thirty-seven percent of patients said their preferred method for finding a provider was through independent research, while 26 percent said they preferred to receive recommendations from a friend or family member.
Here's how patients responded when asked how they ultimately found their primary care provider.
1. Independent research: 34 percent
2. Insurance provider: 32 percent
3. Friend or family: 20 percent
4. Healthcare provider: 13 percent
5. Other: 1 percent
To access the Kyruus report, click here.