COSTA MESA, Calif.—When making elective health care decisions, consumers simultaneously research both the procedure and how they will pay for it, according to a recently released study conducted by Rothstein Tauber, Inc., on behalf of CareCredit, a leading health care financing company and division of Synchrony Financial (NYSE: SYF).

Optometric care and ophthalmology were among the six medical specialties studied in the July 2015 Consumers’ Path to Healthcare Purchases Study, which endeavored to determine the ways consumers research, consider and purchase health care services. The findings can help health care providers better serve the informational and financial needs of consumers seeking elective treatment for themselves and their family members, according to CareCredit, which offers financing for certain health expenses not covered by insurance.

“The study offers insights and behavioral data previously not available to doctors who provide elective care and can be used to shape effective strategies and best practices that help more patients get treatment and care,” a CareCredit announcement stated.

The study found that consumers took an average of five steps over 76 days to conduct research before committing to an elective health care purchase. The average number of days to a decision in the optical field was 35.3, and the average spend in optical was $292. A majority of patients (62 percent) viewed optical care as an absolute necessity. Decisions were influenced by the level of need, cost, how insurance benefits impact out-of-pocket expenses and perceived risk.

In all medical specialties, those who were very likely or extremely likely to apply for or use CareCredit increased as the cost of care increased. In optical, 29 percent of respondents were likely or extremely likely to use CareCredit for a $200 procedure, 38 percent for a $600 procedure, and 49 percent were likely or extremely likely to use CareCredit for a health care expense of $1,000.

The study also determined that: nearly half (47 percent) of CareCredit cardholders surveyed would not have made the purchase or would seek another provider if theirs did not have financing available; nearly 80 percent of all respondents said financing makes it easier to budget for their health care purchase; and the majority (75 percent) of CareCredit cardholders are likely to use their card again.

The study was conducted online in the third quarter of 2014 with nearly 2,000 consumers who had made an elective health care purchase in the past 12 months or who were likely to make an elective health care purchase in the next 12 months.

Consumers conducted research both online and off, including a preliminary visit to the provider’s office and discussions with family and friends. Cost was researched at the same time as other factors, including whether to invest in the procedure or device and the selection of the provider.

The complete study is available for download here: Consumers’ Path to Healthcare Purchases Study.