Survey: Telehealth on the rise, popular with patients

More Americans are using telehealth services and appear to like it, according to a new survey.

The survey comes from virtual care and healthcare communication company Updox and found that out of 2,000 U.S. adults, 42 percent have used telehealth services since the beginning of the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic.

Of those respondents who said they like using telehealth services, 65 percent say it is because the visits are more convenient than meeting their physician in an office, while 63 percent say they like not having to worry about being exposed to other potentially sick patients. A further 44 percent say they think it is easier to make a telehealth appointment, and 38 percent say they like how streamlined follow-ups and communications after the appointment are, according to the survey.

“Following the current pandemic, telehealth will no longer be a ‘plus’ or ‘nice to have’ for practices -- it will become a requirement to stay in business. Virtual care and contactless offices will transform the way healthcare is provided, in response to both provider and patient concerns and preferences,” Michael Morgan, CEO of Updox, says in a statement. “Today’s healthcare providers are seeking modern, impactful ways to maximize patient engagement, improve outcomes and enable more timely, efficient connections between patients and their trusted physicians. The experience must be consistent whether the visit is virtual or in office. Consumers have spoken to say this will be an expectation post-COVID.”

The survey also found that 51 percent of respondents say that they would continue using telehealth services after the pandemic has ended because they like the convenience it offers, while 49 percent say that being able to see or speak to the physician of their choice rather than someone assigned to them will be key to their continued use of the services. A further 26 percent of Americans and 30 percent of those over the age of 55 say that not having to download any special applications or programs will be key to their continued use of telehealth.