Finn Partners National Survey Reveals How Fragmented Health System Places Greater Burden On Patients
The 1,000-person national poll suggests that payer, provider, policy and pharmaceutical leaders have an opportunity to help consumers gain greater value from their health-dollar spend, with the goal of improving care and reducing cost.
Results from the Finn Futures™ survey show consumers who change health insurance plans frequently switch their primary care physicians just as often, requiring them to be the owners of their medical history and regimen. Consumers cited their primary care physician as the most trusted source for medical information; however, more than two-thirds see their doctor only once or twice a year. This lack of medical provider continuity may impact health behavior and disease-awareness engagement.
Room for Improvement in Provider and Pharma Communication
- About half of Americans with health insurance have had a relationship with their primary-care physician for fewer than three years
- Nearly half of respondents under age 65 were unaware that pharmaceutical companies offer co-pay coupons (i.e., savings cards), regardless of household income, to reduce out-of-pocket costs for prescription medicines
- 43 percent of respondents said that their pharmacist always or frequently recommends an alternative prescription medication to what their physician prescribes initially
- Nearly half of respondents said they always or mostly accept their pharmacist's alternative recommendation for a medication prescribed by their physician
- More than three out of four patients will consult their physician or pharmacist first if they have a question about prescription medication; only eight percent visit a medication web site
- 46 percent of respondents said they see their primary care physician only once a year, when called or reminded to make an appointment or when they are ill
"Despite the talk, the concept of consumer – in this case, the patient – as king has yet to be realized within the health community," says
Consumers May Gain Greater Value with Longer Health-Insurer Relationships
- About half of respondents have changed their health plan in the last three years
- Americans are evenly split on whether they read their health insurance plan, but those most likely to do so have been with the same insurance plan between 6 to10 years
- Almost 60 percent expect their health plans to be active on social media to address questions on plan changes, co-pays or wellness information
- Some 55 percent of consumers surveyed noted that use of celebrities is not an influencing factor when asking for a medication. Evidence has shown that health insurance formularies and out-of-pocket cost are a deciding vote on drug choice
"While cost concern is a constant refrain, helping consumers connect to health plan value and medication savings benefits are big value opportunities," says
Opportunity for Patients to Get What They Pay For
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About the Survey
The Finn Futures survey, from
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