To gain a more current picture of public perceptions of alternative care, Landmark Healthcare, Inc. commissioned InterActive Solutions, a Michigan-based consumer research firm, to conduct a telephone survey of U.S. adults on their attitudes, perceptions, and behavior with respect to alternative care. Conducted in November 1997, this study surveyed a random sample of households throughout the United States and completed a total of 1,500 interviews. Respondents included adults at least 18 years of age who are currently covered by some type of health insurance or health care plan.

Notes:
1. A sample of this size yields an overall margin of error of +/- 2.5% at the confidence level.
2. For some questions, the base of respondents is fewer than 1,500.

SELECTED FINDINGS

General usage of alternative care

• 42% have used some type of alternative care in the past year
• 58% have not used alternative care in the past year

Usage of specific types of alternative care in the past year

Use of alternative care and traditional health care

• 74% use alternative care along with traditional care
• 15% use alternative care as a replacement for traditional care
• 11% use alternative care along with AND as a replacement for traditional care

Change in visits to medical doctor or specialist since starting alternative care

• 62% experienced NO CHANGE in the number of visits
• 30% experienced A DECREASE in the number of visits
• 3% experienced AN INCREASE in the number of visits
• 6% don't know

Note: Percentages may not total 100% due to rounding.

Likelihood of using alternative care

Note: Percentages may not total 100% due to rounding.

Importance of availability of alternative care when choosing a health plan

• 31% believe alternative care is VERY IMPORTANT in selecting a health plan
• 36% believe alternative care is SOMEWHAT IMPORTANT in selecting a health plan
• 33% believe alternative care is NOT IMPORTANT in selecting a health plan