Many say they use a general internet search to find a physician

A new survey looked at trends between 2017-2019 on how patients access health care. Here’s what it found: 

• Gathering information: 54% said they found a provider through a general internet search, followed by asking another health professional, or a friend or family member. Around 40% also use an insurance website to do the same. 
• Selection criteria: Nearly three-quarters say that whether a provider accepts a certain form of insurance is an extremely important factor in their choice. Only about a quarter rank the number of years a physician has been practicing as extremely important. 
• Booking appointments: A majority said they make appointments via phone, but 55% said so this year, down from 62% in 2017. At the same time, nearly a third of respondents this year cited a preference for online bookings, up from around 27% in 2017 and 2018.

Clarification: Yesterday's item on new colorectal cancer screening guidelines wasn't clear about how the American College of Physicians came up with its latest guide. The ACP consulted guidelines issued by other groups, including the American Cancer Society.