Americans are dissatisfied with the U.S. health care system, and 82 percent think it should be fundamentally changed or completely rebuilt.
A survey of more than 1,000 adults found that the vast majority of those surveyed -- nine out of ten -- felt it was important that the two leading presidential candidates propose reform plans that would improve health care quality, ensure that all Americans can afford health care and insurance, and decrease the number of uninsured. Adults across all income groups reported experiencing inefficient care. And eight in ten adults across income groups supported efforts to improve the health system's performance with respect to access, quality and cost.
Nearly half of patients also experienced poorly coordinated medical care in the past two years -- meaning that they were not informed about medical test results or had to call repeatedly to get them, important medical information wasn't shared between doctors and nurses, or communication between primary care doctors and specialists was poor. Nearly three out of four had a difficult time getting timely doctors' appointments, phone advice, or after-hours care without having to go to the emergency room.