News Feature | August 14, 2015

Less Than 10% Of Consumers Used Telehealth

Katie Wike

By Katie Wike, contributing writer

HTO Telehealth

A recent survey shows 9 percent of consumers have used telehealth services since they became available.

Despite studies touting the benefits of telemedicine, a recent survey shows only 9 percent of American consumers have used the virtual services since they became available.

The study, conducted by Healthline, found that although few consumers had used telehealth, those who had reported being satisfied with the experience. Ninety percent said their experience using telehealth services was the same or better than their experience at a doctor’s office.

MobiHealth News reports that of those who reported using the services, 45 percent of respondents said they were unaware of these services two or three years ago.

Additionally, the survey asked consumers about the habits with wearable devices and apps. The most popular apps included:

  • food logs and calorie counters (34 percent)
  • pedometers or fitness trackers (24 percent)
  • heart rate monitors (22 percent)
  • blood sugar monitors (20 percent)
  • medication reminders (17 percent)

Some respondents reported their doctor recommended a mobile app to them (4 percent), and others said that their doctor formally prescribed an app (2 percent). Sixty-three percent of app users claim their top mobile health app provides a moderate or significant benefit. Forty-three percent of consumers stopped using a health or fitness app within six months of starting it. Most often, the reason cited was not making enough progress (29 percent).

“Healthline’s survey findings indicate a strong interest among consumers in the advancement of wearables, mobile apps and telehealth,” said Dean Stephens, CEO of Healthline. “However, there is a lingering and noticeable concern around the protection of personal health information. This should be a warning bell for manufacturers to ensure that the security of this new technology is a top pr