Study: Number of Americans trying telehealth has doubled during COVID-19 pandemic

The ongoing COVID-19 public health crisis has “doubled” the percentage of American adults who have tried telemedicine as an alternative to a doctor’s office visit. 

That is according to a survey by independent marketing, advertising, and public relations agency Mower, which is headquartered in Syracuse. 

Researchers surveyed 1,000 U.S. adults regarding their comfort level returning to various common activities when COVID-19 restrictions ease

The study’s findings indicate that even though only 16 percent of respondents had used telemedicine in the past, another 17 percent have tried it for the first time since the crisis began. 

Another 52 percent report that they still have not taken advantage of the service, but they would “if the need arose,” Mower said.

Availability is also on the rise. The findings also indicate that 20 percent of Americans report that their own health-care provider and/or their child’s provider already offered telemedicine before the pandemic, but another 20 percent say their providers have added the service since the crisis began.

Providing telemedicine options “reflects well” on health-care providers, per the Mower report. Among respondents who indicate it’s a new service, 58 percent say the addition of telehealth shows their provider is taking the pandemic seriously, 51 percent see it as a sign of commitment to patients, 46 percent believe it means the provider is modern and flexible, and 40 percent call it a “smart business decision.”

The survey found patients over the age of 65 are “significantly more likely not to know” whether their provider offers telemedicine (53 percent compared to 32 percent of adults overall). However, among those age 65 and older who indicate their provider began offering telemedicine during COVID-19, 86 percent appreciate having the option to consult their doctor remotely.

“Telemedicine is one aspect of life that is likely to become more commonplace as we ease into a new normal following the COVID-19 pandemic and as Americans continue to approach daily activities with more caution,” Maggie Hooper, management supervisor and Mower’s health care specialty lead, said in the report. “Health-care providers should consider adding or enhancing telemedicine services, including clear communication on how patients can best access, use, and pay for their virtual appointments.”

That is important because many people indicate they will be apprehensive about resuming in-person visits to their health-care providers immediately after it’s allowed.

The Mower study revealed that only one in three Americans (34 percent) would feel comfortable going to a regular doctor/dentist appointment on the first day COVID-19 restrictions ease. Another 29 percent would feel comfortable by day 30 and 18 percent would wait until day 60. 

About the survey

Mower’s online nationwide survey was conducted between April 8 and April 10, with a random sampling of 1,000 adults ages 18 and older. Responses were obtained using Plano, Texas–based Dynata, a research-panel provider. The margin of error is plus or minus 3.1 percent.