Baby Boomers (51-69) have generally positive attitudes towards their primary care doctors, as the vast majority agree that their doctor listens carefully to their questions and concerns (88%) and knows their name, history and medical issues (82%) as well as the medications and care they receive from specialists (79%).
However, almost half report some frustrations with their doctor, and some have taken action as a result, according to a survey conducted by Ipsos on behalf of MDVIP.
Respondents to the survey – who were required to have a primary care doctor or to have seen one in the past 5 years – were asked to choose their top-three frustrations (if any) when seeing their primary care doctor over the last few visits. Waiting while in the office (32%) was the top irritant, followed by the limited time they actually have with the doctor (26%).
That’s not too surprising, given that almost one-third of respondents report that, when going for a visit, they typically spend more time in the waiting room than they do with the doctor.
As a result, having visits that don’t feel hurried and last as long as they need to (62%) is the quality Baby Boomers most value in a primary care doctor. Other qualities sought by Baby Boomers include a kind and compassionate bedside manner (50%) and same-day or next-day appointments (46%). These experience-driven factors appear to be more important than a doctor’s strong credentials (29%) or price transparency (17%).
Meanwhile, more than one-third of respondents report taking some type of action due to their frustration with a doctor, with about 1 in 6 (16%) having stopped seeing a doctor and/or switched a doctor (20% women versus 12% men). Another 11% have considered switching doctors, but not followed through. Social media isn’t an avenue for their frustrations, though, as only 1% have complained on social media.
Although relatively few Baby Boomers in the MDVIP and Ipsos Public Affairs survey have taken action as a result of their frustrations, that doesn’t mean their current experiences match their ideal ones.
Asked to choose from a list of descriptions associating visits with other experiences, Boomers were most likely to describe their typical visit as being akin to shopping at the grocery store – going in, getting what’s needed, and then being done. But the ideal experience for the largest share of respondents is similar to consulting a trusted financial advisor – that knows their personal situation, makes good recommendations and gives them peace of mind.