Issue link: https://viewer.e-digitaledition.com/i/962601
A SuRVEY OF 2,100 CONSuMERS AGES 21–70 ADDS TO THE GROWING uNDERSTANDING THAT CLINICAL ABILITY IS ONLY ONE OF MuLTIPLE FACTORS KEEPING PATIENTS FROM SEEKING A DIFFERENT PHYSICIAN. The Patient as Consumer BY STEVE BARRETT IN ADDITION TO technical skill, conve- nience regarding appointments and ease of communication are crucial, according to the fi ndings of Solutionreach's Patient- Prov ider Relationship Study, which focused on primary care, ophthalmology, dermatology and dentistry practices. While there is generational variation in what patients are seeking, even older patients show signif icant interest in having options for receiving appoint- ment reminders. A b out t h r e e - qu a r t er s of m i l len- n i a l s , G en X er s a nd ba b y b o omer s like to receive phone-ca ll reminders. A b o u t 7 0 p e r c e n t o f m i l l e n n i a l s , 66 percent of Gen Xers a nd 50 percent of baby boomers like receiving online or ema il reminders, a nd 73 percent of m i l len n ia ls, 70 percent of G en Xers a nd 45 percent of baby boomers wa nt tex t reminders. More tha n 70 percent of a l l respondents wa nt to be able to tex t their physicia n's off ice. "Across generations, ... text and online touch points have the greatest opportu- nity to improve patient satisfaction and retention," authors of the study note. "Patients are acting more like traditional consumers and choosing where to invest their healthcare dollars based on quality, cost, and convenience." Retention strategies should be top of mind because 42 percent of millennials surveyed said they are likely to change practices in the nex t few yea rs. The same is true for 44 percent of Gen Xers and 20 percent of boomers. n CORE Rehabilitation the PoweR of The Promise of Hope Our interdisciplinary teams of nurses, therapists, assistive technologists and others provide extraordinary care, harnessing the Power of rehab technology and treatments … so patients with stroke, traumatic brain and spinal cord injuries, and those with neurological, cardiopulmonary and orthopedic disorders can rebuild their lives. Along with our magnificent Hudson River views ... all compelling reasons to choose Helen Hayes Hospital for rehabilitation care. Owned and operated by the New York State Department of Health − Member NewYork-Presbyterian Regional Hospital Network. Route 9W, West Haverstraw, NY 10993 helenhayeshospital.org 1-888-70-REHAB Founded in 1900 as one of the country's very first physical rehabilitation facilities, we have a singular focus: restoring mobility while offering patients and families HoPe. P R A C T I C E M A N A G E M E N T ❰❰❰❰❰ 0 5 M D N E W S . C O M /// M D N E W S L O W E R H u D S O N / B R O N x ■ 2 018 0 5