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Consumers More Optimistic than Doctors Regarding Future of U.S. Health Care Reform

Posted on: Wednesday, 15 April 2009, 16:45 CDT

- Consumers confident; doctors uncertain about progress in the next five years -

FLEMINGTON, N.J., April 15 /PRNewswire/ -- A new national study among 2,547 physicians and consumers revealed that consumers have a more positive outlook on the future of health care reform in the U.S.

The study was conducted by HCD Research and the Muhlenberg College Institute of Public Opinion (MCIPO) during April 10-12, to obtain physicians' and consumers' perception of U.S. health care reform. Respondents were also asked to provide their perceptions of specific health care-related industries and professions. To view detailed results go to: www.mediacurves.com.

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20071204/NYTU133LOGO )

The study will be conducted on a monthly basis among physicians and consumers to measure perceptions of the health care reform process in the United States. Each month, an overall metric score will be reported for physicians and consumers to monitor trends and perceptions. The metric is comprised of two questions. One question measures the perceived progress of health care reform; and the other question determines whether respondents perceive that health care reform is heading in the right direction. The metric is reported on a scale ranging from -100 points to +100 points.

Among the study findings:

Compared to physicians, consumers were slightly more positive regarding their perceptions of the progress and direction of U.S. health care reform.

April 2009 Doctor Score Consumer Score Overall Metric score- -9 -4

Physicians and consumers were also asked to provide favorability ratings for the following industries/professions related to health care. The ratings are based on a scale ranging from -100 points to +100 points, with -100 representing "not at all favorable" and +100 representing an "extremely favorable" rating.

April 2009 Industry Doctor Favorability Consumer Favorability Score Score Medical insurance -40 -7 Prescription insurance -30 0 Hospitals and long-term care facilities 0 7 Physicians 53 23 Pharmaceutical and medical device manufacturers 3 -7

The Media Curves web site provides the media and general public with a venue to view Americans' perceptions of popular and controversial media events and advertisements.

HCD Research is a communications research company headquartered in Flemington, NJ. The company's services include traditional and web-based marketing and communications research. For additional information on HCD Research, access the company's web site at www.hcdi.net or call 908-788-9393. Headquartered in Allentown, Pennsylvania, MCIPO is a respected source of public opinion data on local, state and national issues. For additional information on Muhlenberg College, go to http://www.muhlenberg.edu/

SOURCE HCD Research

Source: PR Newswire

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