More than half of U.S. adults would choose virtual healthcare over in person care if it meant they could see a specialist with more knowledge and experience specific to their health condition or medical needs, while also accessing that specialist in a timely manner, according to a new study conducted by Summus, provider of a virtual specialist platform.
The report also shows that 57% of consumers have a stronger desire for virtual care if it provides the option to have more time to interact with a doctor.
Virtual Healthcare Study
Continued acceptance of virtual care is important because consumers require specialist care in record numbers. According to the survey, over the past two years two-thirds (66%) of U.S. adults saw a specialist more than once, including cardiologists (70%), neurologists (68%), orthopedists (68%), pediatricians (66%) and oncologists (54%).
Most (87%) consumers said they are satisfied meeting virtually with their specialist, due in no small part to the time-consuming nature of in-person visits.
“When patients and families have fast access, within hours or days, to a high-quality medical specialist, they get the education, tools and resources they need to make informed decisions that are right for them and ultimately drive better, most cost-efficient outcomes,” said Julian Flannery, Summus CEO, in a prepared statement.