What is a significant disadvantage of using external surveys?

The choice that highlights a significant disadvantage of using external surveys is indeed that they are more expensive since they require out-of-pocket costs. Engaging an external firm or consultant to conduct surveys typically incurs costs related to their expertise, time, and resources. This can include fees for survey design, administration, analysis, and reporting, which can significantly increase the total expenditure compared to internal survey processes that may utilize existing staff and resources.

Cost considerations are particularly crucial for practices that must manage tight budgets. While findings from external surveys can offer valuable insights and are often perceived as more credible due to the independence of the data collection process, the financial implications mean that practices must carefully weigh the benefits against the costs. This is an important factor in decision-making when considering how to gather and analyze performance data.