What Patients Want: Zocdoc’s Report Reveals Patient Preferences

What You Should Know:

– Zocdoc, the healthcare marketplace, has released its inaugural What Patients Want Report, offering valuable insights into what patients seek from their healthcare experience and providers.

– Based on millions of bookings and patient interactions, the report paints a picture of how patients are navigating the healthcare landscape today, and what they expect from their providers and the industry at large.

Key findings of the report include:

• Women driving appointment bookings: Women are more proactive in booking appointments, with Millennial women leading the charge in booking on behalf of others.
• In-person visits and timely access remain crucial: Patients prioritize in-person appointments and prefer to schedule them soon after searching.
• Gen Z leads in mental health bookings: This age group seeks mental health care more than any other, reflecting a growing awareness and prioritization of mental well-being.
• Patient Empowerment Index reveals room for improvement: The inaugural index reveals moderate patient empowerment, with nearly 1 in 5 Americans feeling they have little control over their healthcare and 15% facing access challenges.

Predictions for the Future

• Mental health boom: Mental health bookings are expected to surge in the latter half of 2024, potentially influenced by upcoming elections and increased awareness.
• Convenience triumphs tradition: Patients will prioritize convenience and accessibility for routine care, potentially impacting traditional healthcare models.
• AI to the rescue: AI advancements will free up valuable time for providers, allowing them to focus on personalized patient care.
• Big Tech’s muted impact: Despite heightened noise from tech giants, their actual influence on healthcare delivery is likely to remain limited.
• Digital consolidation: The landscape of patient portals and digital front doors to healthcare will likely see consolidation, offering a more streamlined experience.
• Savvy prescription shoppers: Patients will become increasingly informed and empowered to compare medication prices and make informed decisions about their prescriptions.

The report emphasizes the need for healthcare providers and systems to adapt to evolving patient preferences. By prioritizing patient-centered care, focusing on convenience and access, and leveraging technology for greater efficiency, the industry can empower individuals to take control of their health and wellbeing.

“As the leading healthcare marketplace, we offer patients the ability to search and book with nearly 100,000 providers across every specialty, every state and every segment,” said Zocdoc founder and CEO Oliver Kharraz, MD. “By aggregating a diverse array of providers that patients can choose from, all in one place, we empower them to have more control over their care. We are proud to give voice to what patients really want by highlighting emerging trends and preferences expressed through the millions of bookings made through Zocdoc each year.”

Patient Empowerment Index Survey Methodology

Zocdoc commissioned Censuswide to collect this data via an online survey of 1,000 U.S. consumers aged 18 and up. The survey was fielded November 14 to November 16, 2023. Respondents were assigned scores based on their answers to the three questions. These scores were then averaged to find the Patient Empowerment Index number, ranging from -80 to 120. Censuswide abides by and employs members of the Market Research Society, which is based on the ESOMAR principles.

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