Nearly half of patients have yet to schedule a medical visit online, according to a survey by healthcare communications firm Jarrard Inc.
Thirty-five percent of patients have booked an appointment through a website (such as a patient portal) on a computer, while 19% have scheduled a visit via a smartphone, per the survey of 1,034 U.S. adults in late March and early April. Half of patients say they still prefer making appointments by phone.
Of the 43% of patients who haven't scheduled online, here are the main reasons why, the May report found:
1. Provider doesn't offer: 22%
2. Unfamiliar with online scheduling: 21%
3. Can't get appointment soon enough: 17%
4. Other: 15%
5. Platform isn't effective: 8%
6. Unsure type of appointment needed: 7%
7. Don't have resources (computer/internet): 4%
8. Can't remember login: 3%