Finding the Right Doctor: Do Patients Really Know What to Look For?

When it comes to healthcare, many Americans may be a bit unfamiliar with what the best options actually look like.

According to a recent survey carried out by the Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research, findings revealed that only 22 percent of people stated that they believed they could find information to compare the quality of local doctors. Sixty percent also stated that they trusted the opinions of family and friends to help them determine the best option for medical practitioners. Another 50 percent also trusted referrals given to them by primary care doctors.

While patients were more likely to trust the thoughts of family and friends, they were less likely to trust other outlets that could also provide knowledgeable and potentially trustworthy information. For instance, many were unlikely to trust website ratings, the media, health insurers and patient reviews when choosing a doctor.

The poll also asked participants about quality of care received. Findings revealed that only four percent actually believed that they had received poor care and most of the time, participants associated a higher quality of care with a higher cost.

"Some of the nicest doctors are the least competent," said Dr. Elliott Fisher of the Dartmouth Institute for Health Policy and Clinical Practic, via Health Day.

Regardless of ratings, the number one reason many chose a certain doctor over others oftentimes had to do with insurance, and for those without benefits, cost was the determinant factor in finding someone.

The poll surveyed about 1,002 nationally representative adults from May 27 to June 18. More information regarding the results can be found here.