Seven Percent of U.S. Physicians Use Video Chat to Communicate with Patients

Manhattan Research’s Taking the Pulse^® U.S. v11.0 Study Includes a Focus on the Role of Digital in the Physician-Patient Relationship

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Seven percent of U.S. physicians use online video conferencing to communicate with any of their patients, according the new Taking the Pulse^® U.S. v11.0 study of physician digital adoption trends from pharmaceutical and healthcare market research company Manhattan Research. This year’s study of 2,041 U.S. practicing physicians includes a focus on how physicians are using technology in the practice, such as for electronic health records, electronic prescribing and interaction with patients.

“Combined with the impending shortage of primary care physicians, the implications of these technologies for how healthcare is delivered in our country are remarkable.”

As video chatting becomes more common, this type of communication is emerging as a way for physicians to consult with patients about non-urgent issues, such as follow up questions from an office visit, or to connect with geographically dispersed patient populations that may not have nearby access to specialists. The study also found that certain specialties, such as psychiatrists and oncologists, are more likely to be using video conferencing with patients.

“Telemedicine has the potential to open up consultations with top specialists, regardless of your location,” said Meredith Ressi, Manhattan Research President. “Combined with the impending shortage of primary care physicians, the implications of these technologies for how healthcare is delivered in our country are remarkable.”

However, the study found that physician concerns regarding reimbursement, liability and HIPAA are still major barriers to communicating online with patients. Some of these issues are starting to be addressed as telemedicine solution providers such as American Well partner with insurance companies to facilitate payment and increase their security measures. “Despite these hurdles, we still expect to see more physicians use this model to improve practice efficiency and expand their patient base, without the overhead associated with only in-office visits,” Ressi said.

About Taking the Pulse^® U.S. v11.0

Taking the Pulse^® U.S. is Manhattan Research’s annual market research study and syndicated advisory service focused on how U.S. physicians use the Internet, digital media, mobile devices and other technologies for professional purposes and patient interaction.

Taking the Pulse^® U.S. v11.0 was fielded online and on the phone among 2,041 U.S. practicing physicians in Q1 2011. The data can be segmented across a variety of target specialist audiences, including PCPs, pediatricians, cardiologists, oncologists, gastroenterologists and OB/GYNs. For more information, please visit http://www.manhattanresearch.com/ttp.

About Manhattan Research

Manhattan Research, a Decision Resources, Inc. company, is a global pharmaceutical and healthcare market research and strategic advisory firm and conducts annual research studies covering eHealth trends among healthcare professionals and consumers. For more information, please visit http://www.manhattanresearch.com.

About Decision Resources, Inc.

Decision Resources, Inc. is a cohesive portfolio of companies that offers best-in-class, high-value information and insights on important sectors of the healthcare industry. Clients rely on this analysis and data to make informed decisions. Please visit Decision Resources, Inc. at http://www.decisionresourcesinc.com.

All company, brand, or product names contained in this document may be trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders.