Report after report indicates patients and consumers are willing, and eager, to receive medical consultations over video. A recent survey from web-based EHR comparison site Software Advice reiterates those findings, indicating 75 percent of patients have expressed interesting in using a telemedicine service instead of an in-person visit.
While patients express strong interest in telehealth services, they still have a number of concerns. Software Advice's survey asked patients who had used telemedicine within the past 12 months about their top concerns with video consultations.
Top 8 concerns with telemedicine:
1. Missing in-person interaction (21 percent)
2. Technical issues (12 percent)
3. No physical exam (12 percent)
4. Low quality of care (10 percent)
5. Uncomfortable with video (10 percent)
6. Cannot read body language (8 percent)
7. Not enough time spent (5 percent)
8. Security concerns (2 percent)
Software Advice also asked participants who had used telehealth services within the past 12 months about the benefits they found when using video consultations.
Top 8 telemedicine benefits:
1. High quality of care (21 percent)
2. Don't have to travel (21 percent)
3. Comfort of home (20 percent)
4. Quick access to care (11 percent)
5. Shorter wait time (10 percent)
6. Easy to use (9 percent)
7. Avoid waiting room (8 percent)
8. Cost-effective (4 percent)
More articles on telehealth:
Home telehealth use shows reduced cost and mortality in veterans with complex chronic conditions
Federal Trade Commission supports wider incorporation of telemedicine
Medicare telehealth coverage requires 'global approach,' AHA says