Survey: Patients want doctors to lead care

Although 83% of consumers surveyed want a physician to have primary responsibility for their health care, many are confused about the qualifications of healthcare professionals, according to the results of a survey by the American Medical Association.

Ninety percent of those surveyed said that a medical doctor's additional years of education and training are vital to patient care. The survey found much confusion about the qualifications of healthcare professionals; for instance, 24% indicated uncertainty that an otolaryngologist was a physician. Eighty-seven percent of respondents support legislation that would require advertisements to designate the qualifications of the healthcare professional.