Healthcare consumers are increasingly turning to virtual health services, with 25 percent of patients reporting they received virtual care services in the previous year, up from 21 percent one year prior, according to a survey released by Accenture.
As part of its 2018 Consumer Survey on Digital Health report, Accenture surveyed 2,301 U.S. consumers ages 18 and older to evaluate their attitudes toward healthcare technology, modernization and service innovation.
Here are six things to know about the survey.
1. Of the patients who accessed care virtually, 74 percent said they were satisfied with the experience.
2. Nearly half (47 percent) of all patients surveyed said they would prefer a more immediate, virtual appointment over a delayed, in-person appointment.
3. Almost 75 percent of healthcare consumers said they would use virtual care for an after-hours appointment.
4. Around two-thirds said they would use virtual care for a follow-up appointment after seeing a physician or other healthcare professional in person.
5. Over half (54 percent) of consumers said they believe virtual care reduces patients' medical costs.
6. Forty-three percent said they like the timely care virtual technology provides.
Click here to download the complete report.