A new study from the Council of Accountable Physician Practices and Nielsen Strategic Health Perspectives shows not everyone is experiencing the benefits of coordinated care.
The study includes survey responses from more than 30,000 healthcare consumers and 626 physicians. Highlighted below are five findings from the study.
1. There is a disconnect between the amount of care physicians say is being provided and patients say is being received. For example, 89 percent of primary care physicians said they remind patients about preventive screenings, but only 14 percent of patients say they receive reminders. Additionally, more than two-thirds of adult Americans are overweight or obese, but only 5 percent of surveyed patients said they were recommended a weight loss program by their physician.
2. Half of patients say there has been an improvement in how well their physicians know their history, primarily due to the ability to share information through electronic medical records. Still, patients with comorbid chronic conditions who would benefit more from care coordination only receive slightly more follow-ups and care management as other patients.
3. There has been an increase in electronic engagement between patients and physicians, but it is still low — only 20 to 30 percent of the respondents said they have various digital ways to submit medical questions, including online, via email or through text. Nearly half (44 percent) of the respondents have online access to appointment scheduling, lab test results or portal information. Furthermore, older Americans are less likely to want to use digital technology for healthcare, which is problematic given the substantial care needs of this population.
4. Only one-third of respondents reported having 24/7 access to care through their physician's office other than the emergency department.
5. Nearly two-thirds (65 percent) of physicians said they use evidence-based guidelines to help determine treatment. Only 39 percent of patients recall discussions on new treatment options.
To access the full report, click here.
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