Tech-Savvy Consumers Have Not Heard of Telemedicine

Topic: Telemedicine or eHealth
Author: HealthMine
Published: 2016/03/27 - Updated: 2016/03/28
Contents: Summary - Introduction - Main - Related

Synopsis: HealthMine Survey reveals 39% of tech-savvy consumers have not heard of telemedicine, but 93% of those who have used telemedicine say it has lowered their healthcare costs.

Introduction

39% of Tech-Savvy Consumers Have Not Heard of Telemedicine: HealthMine Survey - But 93% Who Used Telemedicine Say It Lowered Healthcare Costs...

Main Digest

A March survey of 500 insured consumers who use mobile/internet-connected health applications found that 39% still have not heard of telemedicine. What's more, only one third of respondents say their health plan offers telehealth as an option. However, 93% of those who have used telemedicine say it has lowered their healthcare costs.

Telemedicine allows patients to connect with doctors through smartphones, computers and other devices. It can be a convenient and cost-effective alternative to traditional healthcare. Remote visits tend to be faster and less expensive than most visits to the doctor's office, emergency rooms or urgent care clinics. Fifty-five percent (55%) of respondents who have access to telemedicine have used it.

Despite the potential benefits of telehealth when used appropriately, many Americans still prefer traditional, in-person provider visits. Forty-two percent (42%) of respondents who haven't used telehealth say they prefer a doctor office visit. But, more than a quarter of consumers simply don't know when it is appropriate to use telemedicine versus traditional medicine.

Why Consumers Aren't Using Telemedicine

Reason for not using telehealthPercentage
Prefer to see a traditional provider42
Don't know when it is appropriate to use28
Don't trust a virtual provider to diagnose/treat me14
Not sure if it's covered by my health insurance14
Other11

With education and guidance, more consumers

With education and guidance, more consumers may adopt telemedicine as a valuable channel for certain types of healthcare delivery. When asked which medical services they would consider using telehealth for (as opposed to traditional medicine), here is how respondents answered:

When Consumers Would Consider Using Telemedicine

Medical servicePercentage
Follow-up care for acute illness44
Symptom tracking/diagnosis44
Medication management/prescription renewal44
Follow-up care for a chronic condition34
Remote monitoring of vital signs31
Behavioral/mental health24
Nothing11
Other1
Continued below image.
Telemedicine Survey Results (HealthMine)
Telemedicine Survey Results (HealthMine)
Continued...

Bryce Williams, CEO and President of HealthMine said, "Telehealth will find its place in the health services market as did urgent care centers." He continued, "Health plan sponsors can play a significant role in educating their members about optimal options for treatment."

The HealthMine Survey queried 500 consumers who use mobile and/or Internet-connected health applications/devices, and are enrolled in a 2016 health plan. The survey was fielded by Survey Sampling International (SSI) in March of 2016. Data were collected via an opt-in panel. The margin of error is 4%. Survey Sampling International (SSI) has been the Worldwide Leader in Survey Sampling and Data Collection Solutions, across every mode, for 37 Years.

HealthMine, a leading consumer health engagement company, has developed the wellness industry's first and only Personal Clinical Engagement solution. HealthMine empowers individuals to make meaning of their health information by automatically collecting clinical data, identifying risk for chronic disease, and setting health goals. Making it easy for consumers to manage their own health, HealthMine provides a personalized health portal available on any device, and delivers tailored recommendations, resources and incentives. HealthMine has more than one million users, and has saved employers and payers more than $100 million in healthcare costs. The company, founded in 2008, is based in Dallas, Texas with offices in San Francisco, New York and Minneapolis.

Related Publications

Page Information, Citing and Disclaimer

Disabled World is a comprehensive online resource that provides information and news related to disabilities, assistive technologies, and accessibility issues. Founded in 2004 our website covers a wide range of topics, including disability rights, healthcare, education, employment, and independent living, with the goal of supporting the disability community and their families.

Cite This Page (APA): HealthMine. (2016, March 27 - Last revised: 2016, March 28). Tech-Savvy Consumers Have Not Heard of Telemedicine. Disabled World. Retrieved September 11, 2024 from www.disabled-world.com/medical/ehealth/healthmine.php

Permalink: <a href="https://www.disabled-world.com/medical/ehealth/healthmine.php">Tech-Savvy Consumers Have Not Heard of Telemedicine</a>: HealthMine Survey reveals 39% of tech-savvy consumers have not heard of telemedicine, but 93% of those who have used telemedicine say it has lowered their healthcare costs.

Disabled World provides general information only. Materials presented are never meant to substitute for qualified medical care. Any 3rd party offering or advertising does not constitute an endorsement.