Nearly all physicians report growing problem of patient misinformation, survey finds

Health misinformation has become an increasingly common challenge for physicians nationwide, with nearly all doctors surveyed reporting they encountered patients influenced by false or inaccurate medical information during the past year, according to a new survey released by the Physicians Foundation (Source: “Health misinformation strains physician-patient relationships, survey finds,” Cleveland Plain Dealer, Sept. 14).

The survey, conducted in collaboration with Medscape and based on responses from more than 1,000 practicing physicians, examined how misinformation is affecting patient care, physician confidence and trust within the health care system.

Nearly every physician surveyed (99.9%) said they encountered patients influenced by misinformation in the past year. More than two-thirds (69%) said they encounter such patients a moderate amount to a great deal of the time, an increase from 61% reported in a similar 2025 survey.

The report identified social media as the leading source of health misinformation reaching patients. Eighty-five percent of physicians said social media very often or often contributes to patient misinformation, more than any other source listed in the survey.