Deloitte survey: Consumers want online access to records

A recent survey by the Deloitte Center for Health Solutions, designed to take the pulse on consumers’ view of US healthcare, has yielded a number of interesting results. But one of the most interesting data points is one that directly impacts physicians and their documentation:

60 percent want physicians to provide online access to medical records and test results, and online appointment scheduling; 1 in 4 say they would pay more for the service

Clearly, the number of patients wanting to access electronic health record information and communicate electronically with their healthcare providers continues to rise. And adopting an electronic health record system will be the only way to address this growing concern.

The survey, which solicited responses from more than 3,000 Americans ages 18-75, was designed to provide “an important and timely perspective on healthcare consumerism.” For more information or to access and executive summary of the report, visit Deloitte’s “Many U.S. Consumers Want Major Changes in Health Care Design, Delivery.”