Table 3 Main reasons for seeking a SO from a private physician rather than from the public system (n = 127)

Private physician is more professional than the public health fund physician

58 (45.7%)

Prior acquaintance with the physician or by receiving a recommendation about the specific physician who works in a private clinic

21 (16.5%)

Waiting time at the health fund

18 (14.2%)

Private physicians have a better attitude and are more relaxing

13 (10.2%)

Other

17 (13.4%)

Total

127 (100.0%)

Missing

87