Forbes August 27, 2019
Two-thirds of adults are willing to consult with a doctor via video, but only 8% have tried it, according to a new consumer survey by American Well, a major provider of telehealth services.
The poll closely tracks other studies that show consumers have been slow to adopt telehealth (also known as telemedicine), despite the fact that more health plans and self-insured employers are offering it as a benefit. “It’s troubling,“ says Roy Schoenberg, the co-founder and CEO of Boston-based American Well. “Now more people are covered, but they don’t know it’s available.”
Another disconnect: Although 23% of primary care physicians say they now offer virtual visits, only 6% of consumers report that their doctor does. The fact that doctors are...