In response to the changing healthcare market — with new developments such as retail health clinics, concierge medicine and other nontraditional healthcare access points — approximately one-third of primary care practices have changed their business models, according to a survey from PricewaterhouseCoopers.
New primary care business models include convenient care, on-demand service, digital health, independent practice and nurse-led care and house calls. Here are four findings from the survey on the future of health IT and primary care in these new business models.
1. When it comes to digital health, 42 percent of physicians said they would rely on do-it-yourself test results to prescribe medicine. Sixteen percent are implementing telehealth technology, and 85 percent believe future PCPs will rely more heavily on mobile apps and wearables.
2. From the consumer perspective, 50 percent would use a DIY diagnostic test, 60 percent are open to a virtual physician visit and 31 percent would consider monitoring vital signs using a wearable.
3. Of the one-third of primary care providers who changed their business model, 51 percent started providing virtual technology offerings.
4. The survey asked which new market entrants primary care providers already partner with or plan to partner with to deliver care or manage health. The No. 1 new player providers plan to partner with is telecommunications, at 17 percent. The second most noted new player to partner with is consumer products like wearables, at 16 percent.
More articles on health IT:
Epic responds to Mother Jones criticism
Cerner questions ousted Mizzou chancellor's role in Tiger Institute
Outside the hospital: A new business model for healthcare innovation