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Zocdoc's Latest Report Highlights Shifts in Patient Preferences for 2025

Zocdoc, a prominent healthcare platform dedicated to connecting patients with suitable care, has unveiled its third annual What Patients Want Report. This comprehensive report offers insights gleaned from millions of bookings across the United States, coupled with a national survey of 1,000 adults. The report highlights the evolving preferences and considerations that shape the patient experience in 2025.

Key Themes and Findings

The report reveals several interesting trends influencing how patients engage with healthcare. One of the most significant findings is the desire for fast access to care and the emotional connection that patients form with their providers. Oliver Kharraz, MD, the founder and CEO of Zocdoc, emphasizes that although technology facilitates access, the essence of care remains the relationship between patients and their doctors. He points out, "Technology is a pathway to care, not a proxy for it."

The Role of Women in Healthcare Coordination

A particularly fascinating insight is the emphasis on the role of women in managing healthcare, dubbed as 'Healthkeeping.' The 2025 findings show that 67% of Zocdoc users are women. Moreover, a substantial 52% take on the responsibility of coordinating care not only for themselves but also for their families. In fact, women scheduled 76% of appointments for others, displaying a clear trend of women as primary healthcare coordinators in families.

Importance of Connection Over Convenience

While patients are increasingly utilizing digital booking systems, the preference for in-person visits remains high. According to the report, 93% of non-mental health appointments were made in person, highlighting the continued significance of the doctor-patient relationship. Furthermore, a staggering one in five patients equated a satisfactory doctor's visit to the pleasure of good sex, with even 24% of women claiming the experience is more gratifying than intimate encounters!

Cultural Influences on Healthcare Decisions

The report also reflects how cultural narratives, celebrity trends, and breaking news impact patient behaviors and choices. For instance, nearly 57% of Americans reported that recent events negatively affected their overall well-being, impacting their healthcare choices. There was a notable surge in bookings related to therapy and hormone replacement therapy, correlating with heightened discussions on mental health and menopause awareness in popular culture.

As societal conversations evolve, previously taboo topics such as hormone therapy and cosmetic procedures are now openly discussed, reflecting a cultural shift in healthcare priorities. Interestingly, following President Biden's cancer diagnosis, there was a dramatic 436% increase in prostate cancer-related search queries. Similarly, wellness and self-care services have seen rising demand, indicating that patients are willing to invest in self-care even amidst increasing healthcare costs.

The Role of AI in Modern Healthcare

In the quest for efficiency, many patients are turning to AI tools for initial healthcare inquiries. Currently, about one in three Americans are utilizing such technology weekly, indicating a significant shift in the patient approach to healthcare. However, the report forecasts that while AI will play an integral role, the human element in healthcare remains irreplaceable, particularly for complex emotional needs.

Insights on Cost and Care Timeliness

Despite the increase in healthcare expenses, patients still prefer to stay within their insurance networks while allocating funds for elective procedures. About 92% of appointments booked were with in-network providers, showcasing a clear consumer trend towards cost-consciousness. Moreover, Zocdoc's data indicates that over a third of appointments occur within just 48 hours of booking, suggesting that patients prioritize speed in accessing care.

Loyalty in Provider Relationships

Once patients find a provider they trust, they tend to remain loyal. On average, individuals viewed 21 providers before selecting one. Furthermore, 84% of individuals rebook appointments with the same provider, particularly in specialties noted for strong relationships, such as psychology and physical therapy.

Concerns Over Patient Empowerment

Interestingly, the report reveals a decline in the Zocdoc Patient Empowerment Index, a metric reflecting how much control patients feel over their healthcare journey. The 2025 index dropped to 50.6, marking a decline from the previous year's metrics, suggesting that many Americans feel a growing sense of helplessness in accessing adequate care. Additionally, a concerning increase was noted in those reporting a lack of control over their healthcare, particularly among women.

Looking Ahead: Predictions for 2026

As we look to the future, Zocdoc's founder foresees significant changes on the horizon. He anticipates that AI will dominate pre-care tasks, while in-network care will become non-negotiable due to rising costs. Healthcare providers will face mounting pressure to enhance accessibility to avoid falling behind in patient satisfaction and utilization.

In conclusion, Zocdoc's What Patients Want Report continues to serve as an invaluable resource for understanding key trends in healthcare utilization, setting the stage for a future where both technology and human interaction play pivotal roles in patient care.