Inaccuracies in Provider Directories Persist for Long Periods of Time

A growing literature has identified substantial inaccuracies in consumer-facing provider directories, but it is unclear how long these inaccuracies persist. We re-surveyed inaccurately listed Pennsylvania providers (N=5,170) between 117 to 280 days after a previous secret shopper survey. Overall, 19.0% (N=983) of provider directory listings that had been identified as inaccurate were subsequently removed; 44.8% (N=2,316) of provider listings continued to show at least one inaccuracy; and 11.6% (N=600) were accurate at follow-up. We were unable to reach 24.6% (N=1,271) of providers. Longer passage of time was associated with reductions in directory inaccuracies, particularly related to contact information, and to a lesser degree, with removal of inaccurate listings. We found substantial differences in corrective action by carrier. Together, these findings suggest persistent barriers to maintaining and updating provider directories, with implications for how well these tools can help consumers select health plans and access care.