Benefits October 7, 2011

Survey Reveals Consumer Health Care Habits

October 7, 2011 (PLANSPONSOR.com) – According to the 2011 Health Confidence Survey (HCS), many Americans see themselves as good consumers of the health care system. 
Reported by

The survey, which was fielded by the Employee Benefit Research institute (EBRI) and Mathew Greenwald & Associates, found 73% of respondents report they always or often have their doctor or medical professional explain to them why a test was needed. Two-thirds (67%) say they ask their doctor about the risks of treatment or side effects of medications. Slightly more than one-half (57%) indicate they ask about the success rate of the treatment option. Fewer say they always or often bring a list of medications (52%), bring a list of symptoms (51%), ask about less costly treatment options or medications (45%), or ask for less invasive or easier treatment options (45%).

These findings were in large part unchanged from the 2008 HCS, with four exceptions:

•  There was a nine percentage point increase in the portion of Americans reporting that they ask about less costly treatment options or medications.

•  There was an 11 percentage point increase in the portion of Americans reporting that they bring a list of symptoms.

•  There was a six percentage point increase in the portion of Americans reporting that they ask about the success rate of the treatment options.

•  There was a 10 percentage point increase in the portion that always or often brings a list of medications.

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