The public has spoken (well, sort of–their voice was actually channeled, as it were, through a national Cisco-sponsored survey). And the message is clear: We want docs to get on board with all this Internet stuff.
Sixty-two percent of those Americans surveyed have used online health tools. The same number reported that most physicians appear slow to utilize these same tools.Their doctor “doesn’t offer Internet-based tools such as the ability to directly email them, schedule an appointment online, or check a website with information on the practice or doctors’ credentials. And only 27% responded that medical providers have fully embraced the Internet to deliver health information and services” according to the Cisco report.
More to the point:
- 45% want to be able to email their docs (11% say their docs are available by email)
- 34% would like on-line lab results (7% now have the option)
- 33% would like to schedule appointments on-line (9% had that ability)
They expressed a fairly standard set of concerns:
- 39% have fears about the privacy of their medical information
- 38% have fears about identity theft or abuse
- 31% have fears about discrimination against those with chronic illnesses
As Porter and Teisberg argue in Redefining Health Care, “Innovation is the only way the U.S. health care system can address the needs of an aging population without rationing services or huge cost increases.” American physicians need to wholeheartedly embrace these new information technologies if they are going to be effective (and competitive) in their practice.
The world between patient and doctor is getting flat. And yes, resistance is futile.
