Seniors eager for more online health info
U.S. seniors want more access to online health information, according to a survey by Accenture.
Accenture surveyed 200 Medicare beneficiaries as part of a larger global survey of more than 9,000 people of various ages on the electronic capabilities of healthcare providers.
According to the survey, 67 percent of seniors described online access to their medical information as somewhat or very important to them.
Most respondents, however, say they want to expand their access to online health data. Eighty-three percent of seniors said they would like to have full access to their EHRs. More than one-quarter (28 percent) reported currently having such access.
More than 66 percent want the ability to electronically request prescription refills, while 46 percent said they currently have that ability. More than half of respondents said having the ability to email their doctors and healthcare providers is important, while only 15 percent reported having the ability to do so.
The seniors surveyed also expressed interest in having access to virtual physician visits without a copayment and the ability to schedule appointments online or through a mobile application.
Editor
Editor Beth earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism and master’s in health communication. She has worked in hospital, academic and publishing settings over the past 20 years. Beth joined TriMed in 2005, as editor of CMIO and Clinical Innovation + Technology. When not covering all things related to health IT, she spends time with her husband and three children.