More than half of US seniors would use telehealth, survey finds

According to a new study from American Well, 52 percent of U.S. residents over 65 are willing to use telehealth services.

For its Telehealth Index: 2019 Senior Consumer Survey, the company hired market research firm Harris Poll to conduct an online survey of more than 2,000 adults regarding their opinions on telehealth usage. Of the entire number of survey participants, 20 percent were 65 or older.

When these individuals were asked about the main factor that got them interested in telehealth, they gave the following answers:

  • Seeing a doctor virtually would result in faster healthcare service: 73 percent.
  • Telehealth would save time: 58 percent
  • Seeing a doctor by virtual visit would save money: 54 percent
  • Telehealth would help increase provider access: 53 percent.

Of the seniors who told American Well and Harris Poll that they would be willing to use telehealth services, 84 percent said they would use it for prescription renewals. Sixty-seven percent said they would use telehealth to help them manage their chronic conditions.

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