From the ArcaMax Publishing, Health & Fitness Newsletter:
http://www.arcamax.com/news/healthtips/s-388498-869102
EVANSTON, Ill. (UPI) -- What most U.S. adults want in a doctor is a
good bedside manner and communications skills, a survey by the
American Board of Medical Specialties indicates.
Ninety-five percent of respondents rank communication skills and board
certification highest in important qualities they look for in choosing
a doctor.
The survey also indicates that 91 percent of those asked say board
certification is important but "most (respondents) didn't understand
the meaning of board certification," Dr. Kevin Weiss, president of the
American Board of Medical Specialties said in a statement.
"Sixty percent incorrectly believe that a doctor has to be board
certified to practice medicine and only 45 percent of survey
respondents had ever checked to see if their doctor is board
certified."
Board certification is a voluntary process a doctor undertakes to
demonstrate a commitment to lifelong learning and proficiency in his
or her medical specialty, Weiss said.
Fifty-seven percent of respondents say it is difficult to find useful,
clear information on doctors.
The survey, conducted May 16-19 of 1,009 adults, has a margin of error
of 4 percentage points.