Study: Word-of-mouth still preferred method for finding new doctor

Despite increased efforts by insurers to steer patients to doctors with higher quality and efficiency ratings, most people still rely on word-of-mouth from family or friends when choosing a doctor (Source: “Insurers offer data to sway doctor choice,” Columbus Dispatch, Dec. 20, 2008).

In fact, a study by the Center for Studying Health System Change found that fewer than 35 percent of patients said they consider insurance-company information when choosing a doctor.

"Consumers still trust people in their social networks -- say, family and friends and word of mouth," said Ha T. Tu, senior researcher at the center and lead author of the study.