A new survey from American Well found 20 percent of individuals would switch providers if another physician in their area offered telehealth services.
To conduct its "Telehealth Index: 2017 Consumer Survey," American Well commissioned Harris Poll to conduct two online surveys analyzing Americans' perceptions of telehealth. The first survey took place August 19 to 23 and examined the responses of 2,100 adults ages 18 and up. The second was conducted from September 28 through 30 and examined the responses of 2,007 adults ages 18 and up.
The surveys revealed the following findings:
- For individuals who have a primary care provider, 65 percent are interested in seeing their provider over a video conference.
- Seventy-four percent of parents with children under 18 are interested in seeing their primary care provider via telehealth.
- Approximately 60 percent of individuals who are willing to conduct a visit via telehealth would see a physician for help managing a chronic condition.
- Among adults ages 45 to 64 who are willing to have a telehealth visit, 67 percent would see a physician for help managing a chronic condition.
- Seventy-nine percent of individuals caring for an ill or aging relative believe a multi-way video telehealth service would be useful.
"Consumers are clearly interested in more convenient access to healthcare — and increasingly, they are even willing to switch providers to get internet video services," said American Well Chief Marketing Officer Mary Modahl. "Not only that, but consumers are willing to try telehealth for many needs — from chronic conditions to post-discharge follow-up."