Having telehealth on the roster draws patients in

American Well, a provider of telehealth to more than 70 health systems, conducted its Telehealth Index: 2017 Consumer Survey, which showed 20 percent of patients would switch from a doctor who didn't offer telehealth visits to one who did.

The digital world isn’t just for younger generations. Healthcare providers embracing telehealth offer an easier way for patients to stay in contact. The survey was split into two parts, both focusing on gauging patients' interest in telehealth. One contained 2,100 adults aged 18 and older, with the second containing 2,007 adults.

Results included:

• Overall, 65 percent of patients with a primary care physician (PCP) are interested in telehealth visits.
• 74 percent of patients with children under 18 were more likely to be interested in telehealth visits.
• 20 percent of consumers stated they would switch PCPs for one who offered telehealth visits.
• 60 percent of those willing to try telehealth would see a PCP through telehealth to manage a chronic condition.
• 79 percent of people caring for an ill or aging person said telehealth would be a helpful service.

“Consumers are clearly interested in more convenient access to healthcare—and increasingly, they are even willing to switch providers to get internet video service. Not only that, but consumers are willing to try telehealth for many needs—from chronic conditions to post-discharge follow up,” said Mary Modahl, the chief marketing officer at American Well.