A Physicians Foundation national patient survey found 90 percent of U.S. adults cited high satisfaction levels with their primary care physicians. However, many patients forgo treatments or visits due to high costs, according to Executive Insight.
In February 2016, the survey received responses from 1,511 U.S. adults between the ages of 27 and 75 who had two visits with the same physician in the past year.
Here are seven takeaways:
1. Of those surveyed, 95 percent reported being satisfied or very satisfied with their PCP's ability to explain information in a manner the patient could understand.
2. Ninety-six percent of patients reported feeling their PCP was respectful toward them.
3. Ninety-three percent patients reported being satisfied or very satisfied with how well their PCP listened to them, and 92 percent cited high satisfaction levels in regard to their PCP's knowledge of their medical history.
4. The findings indicate patients who saw a PCP for their most recent routine exam often failed to adhere to treatment plans, did not have routine check-ups and did not obtain their prescription medication due to escalating healthcare costs.
5. Of those surveyed, 62 percent expressed concern with their ability to pay for medical treatment if they were injured or sick and 48 percent reported not being sure if they could afford medication if they were seriously ill.
6. Twenty-eight percent of respondents have skipped a treatment, medical test, follow-up or forwent a visit due to high costs.
7. In the past 12 months, costs stopped 27 percent of respondents from filling a prescription.
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