Understanding Patient Insights: The 2025 What Patients Want Report
This deep dive into patient preferences—derived from millions of Zocdoc bookings—shows patients desire fast access, cost-effective care, and strong connections with their healthcare providers.
Zocdoc, a leading healthcare platform that connects patients with quality care, has just released its third annual What Patients Want Report. This comprehensive analysis sheds light on the behaviors, considerations, and preferences that have shaped American healthcare realities in 2025. Each month, millions of patients trust Zocdoc to help them find and book care across diverse states, numerous specialties, and a variety of insurance plans. The insights from the report stem from an extensive pool of data, combined with a nationwide survey of 1,000 adults.
Key Findings from the 2025 What Patients Want Report
Women: The Healthkeepers
The increasing mental load of scheduling appointments was notably felt in 2025, where women emerged as the primary caregivers and coordinators of health not only for themselves but for their families. Key statistics from the report highlight this trend:
- 67% of Zocdoc appointments were booked by women.
- 52% of women took charge of managing care for others.
- 76% of appointments booked on behalf of someone else were made by women.
- 82% of appointments for men were scheduled by women.
The Importance of Connection in Care
In a landscape where digital booking is prevalent, the 2025 report revealed that patients still significantly favor in-person consultations, valuing emotional connection with their healthcare providers. The data covers:
- 93% of non-mental health appointments happened in person.
- Even digitally savvy Gen Z individuals opted for in-person visits 92% of the time.
- Common themes in 5-star reviews included phrases like 'comfortable', 'safe', and 'exceptional care.'
- Americans indicated that establishing a positive connection ranks as the #1 factor when selecting a physician, surpassing both ratings and office proximity.
- A notable 20% of patients confessed that a good doctor's visit was nearly as gratifying as a satisfying intimate experience, with women rating their visits even higher.
Cultural Reflections in Patient Behavior
The findings also suggest that cultural phenomena, including trending celebrity news and societal issues, directly influence patient behaviors. In a year marked by upheaval, these dynamics contributed to shifts in healthcare habits:
- 57% of respondents reported negative effects on their physical or mental health due to current societal events.
- Therapy reservations surged, making it one of the top ten reasons for doctor visits.
- Bookings for hormone replacement therapy in women soared by 95%.
- Prostate therapies and related bookings increased following notable public figures' announcements.
Technology's Evolving Role in Healthcare
AI as a Tool, Not a Substitute
Emerging technologies increasingly support the healthcare journey while maintaining essential human elements. In 2025, AI tools were commonly used by patients:
- Approximately 33% of individuals accessed AI resources like ChatGPT for health inquiries on a weekly basis.
- 10% turned to AI on a daily basis for health-related guidance.
Cost Awareness and Care Choices
As healthcare expenses rise, patients continue to seek in-network options, but they also prioritize their wellness needs:
- 92% of visits were in-network.
- Commercial insurance was utilized in nearly 84% of appointments.
- Self-pay appointments surfaced in areas like cosmetic surgery and anti-aging treatments.
Looking Towards the Future of Healthcare
Patient Empowerment Index Trends
The Zocdoc Patient Empowerment Index reflects patients' feelings of control and comfort within their healthcare experiences. This year, significant declines were noted:
- Current index score is 50.6, a drop from 55.8 in the previous year.
- 6.2% stated they felt no control over their healthcare decisions, marking a 35% increase since 2023.
Conclusion: The Path Forward
As Zocdoc continues to evolve, insights from the 2025 report will shape how the platform addresses patient needs and preferences moving forward. The vision includes a landscape where technology assists rather than replaces the vital connections patients seek in their healthcare journeys.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of the 2025 What Patients Want Report?
The report examines patient preferences for healthcare access, the importance of in-person connections, and emerging trends influencing care.
What demographic plays a key role in healthcare coordination according to the report?
Women are the primary coordinators of healthcare for not only themselves but also for their families, showcasing their significant role in health management.
How do patients prioritize their visits according to the report?
Patients prioritize emotional connections with their doctors and often prefer in-person appointments over virtual consultations.
What trends in technology usage were noted in the report?
AI tools are increasingly utilized by patients for healthcare advice, but there remains a strong preference for human interactions in critical healthcare needs.
What are some significant findings regarding patient satisfaction?
The report emphasizes the importance of establishing a positive emotional connection, with significant percentages of patients valuing this over logistical factors like office location.
