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Zocdoc's 2024 What Patients Want Report: Key Findings

Zocdoc, the prominent healthcare marketplace aiding millions in finding and booking care, has unveiled its second annual report titled "What Patients Want 2024." This comprehensive analysis delves into the preferences and behaviors of patients, offering valuable insights based on the vast data generated from its marketplace bookings. The report highlights noteworthy trends, including how social media is shaping health behaviors and the characteristics patients consider when selecting providers.

Rise in Healthcare Bookings

According to the report, Zocdoc's marketplace provides access to over 100,000 providers in more than 200 specialties, accommodating nearly 20,000 insurance plans. Each month, millions utilize Zocdoc to navigate the often-complex healthcare landscape, making decisions based on the real-time availability of services. This year, Zocdoc founder and CEO Oliver Kharraz emphasized the importance of amplifying patient voices and showcasing their choices, stating, "We have unmatched insights into Americans' healthcare choices and priorities."

Key Behavioral Trends from 2023 to 2024

The report identifies several consistent behaviors among patients while also highlighting emerging trends:

1. Social Media Influence: The intersection of health and social media continues to play a significant role in patient decision-making. For instance, there was a remarkable 71% increase in consultations for semaglutide (a weight loss drug) among men and a 50% increase among women. Viral wellness trends, such as the “sleepy girl mocktail,” appear to have contributed to a 30% rise in bookings for sleep specialists among women.

2. Increased Interest in Cosmetic Treatments: The trend of “mewing,” associated with jaw shaping, resulted in a staggering 87% increase in jaw pain appointments for men and 71% for women. Furthermore, interest in blue light treatment surged with a 200% increase among female patients.

3. Rising Demand for Veneers: There was a notable 15% rise in veneer appointments across genders compared to previous years.

4. Changing Seasonal Trends: Bookings have also shifted in terms of seasonality. While January and March previously marked peak months for appointments, in 2024, the back-to-school months of August and September emerged as busy periods.
- Check-up appointments were 12% higher in July and August than the average month.
- Mental health consultations saw a 19% increase in August.
- Dermatology appointments increased by 14% and 12% in July and August, respectively.

Preference for In-Person Care

Notably, in-person consultations predominated over virtual visits, with only 12% of all appointments booked in 2024 being virtual, a notable drop from 18% in 2023, marking a 33% decrease year-on-year. Among mental health practitioners, however, virtual care remained more prevalent, with 79% of psychiatrist appointments and 74% of psychologist appointments conducted online. Younger patients (aged 18-42) exhibited a higher openness to virtual visits, whereas older patients (aged 59+) showed significantly lesser utilization of this service.

The Importance of Speed

Aligning with findings from the previous year, patients emphasized prompt access to care as a crucial factor. Approximately one in three appointments in 2024 occurred within two days of booking, and half of all appointments took place within four days. Specifics from various specialty fields were noteworthy, including:
- 80% of urgent care bookings were accommodated within 24 hours.
- Over 50% of orthopedic surgeons attended to patients within four days.
- This expedited access significantly contrasts with the national average wait time of 26 days to consult a physician, as highlighted by AMN/Merritt Hawkins.

Critical Factors in Provider Selection

The report further illuminates the traits patients rely on when selecting healthcare providers.
- Providers showcasing four or more office photos experienced a 5.8 times increase in bookings compared to those with fewer images.
- Availability of language services proved vital, with those listing two languages receiving nearly twice as many bookings and those with three or more languages seeing a 3.5 times increase.
- Finally, a stark difference was seen based on reviews, with providers having more than 50 reviews garnering 10 times more bookings.

Conclusion

In summary, Zocdoc's 2024 report offers a profound understanding of shifting patient preferences and the ever-evolving healthcare landscape. With social media and seasonal variations carving new paths in healthcare behavior, the insights from this report are invaluable for both patients navigating their options and providers aiming to meet patient demands effectively. As healthcare continues to adapt in this dynamic environment, understanding these trends will be integral for ensuring quality care that resonates with the modern patient.

About Zocdoc

Zocdoc stands as the leading healthcare marketplace committed to empowering patients in their journeys toward finding and booking care. Each month, millions utilize the services available on Zocdoc.com or the mobile app to connect with in-network providers, check real-time availability, and secure appointments seamlessly. Zocdoc's mission emphasizes patient empowerment, striving to deliver a healthcare experience that meets the expectations of today’s informed consumers.