A recent survey of consumers found that 1 in 5 were willing to switch from their current primary care physician to one that offered telehealth visits. Researchers noted a particular interest among the survey respondents in using telehealth to manage a chronic illness or get a prescription refilled.
A recent survey of consumers found that 1 in 5 were willing to switch from their current primary care physician (PCP) to one that offered telehealth visits. Researchers noted a particular interest among the survey respondents in using telehealth to manage a chronic illness or get a prescription refilled.
The Harris Poll survey commissioned by American Well, a telehealth company, used online questions to ask 4107 US adults about their perceptions of telehealth. Of the consumers with a PCP, the survey found that 65% were very or somewhat interested in video appointments. If their PCP did not offer video visits, 20% of the respondents said they would be willing to switch to a new provider who offered telehealth visits. Extrapolated to the US adult population, around 50 million Americans could be interested in switching PCPs to get telehealth visits, up from the 17 million calculated based on the 2015 survey.
Certain demographics reported higher interest in potentially changing PCPs to one offering telehealth appointments. For instance, 34% of parents of children under 18 said they would be willing to make the switch, compared with 14% of non-parents. Interest was also higher-than-average among 18 to 34 year olds and 35 to 44 year olds, at 26% and 30%, respectively.
The survey also evaluated attitudes towards potential telehealth applications. Of the respondents interested in telehealth, 60% said they would use video visits to manage a chronic condition, and 78% said they would use telehealth to get a prescription refilled by their PCP. The report highlighted the potential of telehealth to improve treatment adherence and save time among this population, as the average wait time to see a doctor in person is nearly 20 days.
“Consumers are clearly interested in more convenient access to healthcare—and increasingly, they are even willing to switch providers to get internet video service,” Mary Modahl, chief marketing officer of American Well, said in a press release. “Health systems and provider groups must take note; if you haven’t already, 2017 is the year to put a secure telehealth platform in place.”
Telehealth would have a staunch advocate in the new administration if Representative Tom Price, R-Georgia, is confirmed as HHS secretary. During his confirmation hearings, Price lauded telemedicine as an “exciting innovation” and “absolutely vital,” citing a Georgia telehealth program that had helped improve access to care for stroke patients in rural areas. Price, who is also a physician, emphasized the need to “accentuate the ability to use telemedicine” by improving reimbursement for clinicians.
Standard Criteria for Loss of Ambulation Needed in DMD
April 19th 2024A recent study suggests the differences between ambulation definitions for patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) can impact the identification of ambulant vs nonambulant individuals, and standard criteria across settings are needed.
Read More
Overcoming Employment Barriers for Lasting Social Impact: Freedom House 2.0 and Pathways to Work
April 16th 2024To help celebrate and recognize National Minority Health Month, we are bringing you a special month-long podcast series with our Strategic Alliance Partner, UPMC Health Plan. Welcome to our second episode, in which we learn all about Freedom House 2.0 and the Pathways to Work program.
Listen
Early Involvement Critical in Treating Immunotherapy-Induced Overlap Syndrome
April 19th 2024A series of case studies reveals the importance of early diagnosis and involvement of special teams of clinicians when dealing with potential cases of overlap syndrome, which encompasses myocarditis, myasthenia gravis, and immune checkpoint inhibitor–related myositis.
Read More
Making Giant Strides in Maternity Health Through Baby Steps
April 9th 2024To help celebrate and recognize National Minority Health Month, we are kicking off a special month-long podcast series with our strategic alliance partner, UPMC Health Plan. Welcome to our first episode, which is all about the Baby Steps Maternity Program and its mission to support women throughout every step of their pregnancy journey.
Listen