Ninety-five percent of respondents rank communication skills and board certification highest in important qualities they look for in choosing a doctor.

The survey also indicates that 91 percent of those asked say board certification is important but "most (respondents) didn't understand the meaning of board certification," Dr. Kevin Weiss, president of the American Board of Medical Specialties said in a statement.

"Sixty percent incorrectly believe that a doctor has to be board certified to practice medicine and only 45 percent of survey respondents had ever checked to see if their doctor is board certified."

Board certification is a voluntary process a doctor undertakes to demonstrate a commitment to lifelong learning and proficiency in his or her medical specialty, Weiss said.

Fifty-seven percent of respondents say it is difficult to find useful, clear information on doctors.

The survey, conducted May 16-19 of 1,009 adults, has a margin of error of 4 percentage points.