According to the findings of a new report released Wednesday by digital health research firm Parks Associates, more than 50% of U.S. broadband households with access to online services such as prescription refills, real-time video calls with a doctor, or appointments use these services.

The accelerated demand for these and other services, however, is the real story.

Parks Associates finds that some 17 million households are interested in a live chat service with health experts.
13% are specifically interested in virtual tools to manage medications, while 15% are interested in post-surgery virtual monitoring.

Jennifer Kent, Senior Digital Health Analyst, Parks Associates, will present this new research on consumer usage and interest in virtual health tools during “Analyst Outlook Panel: Clinical and Business Validation for Virtual Care Models” at mHealth + Telehealth World 2013, Thursday, July 25, Hyatt Regency in Boston at 8:00 A.M.

“The virtual healthcare market is still in its early stages, with 56% of U.S. broadband households without or unaware of online healthcare services available to them, but Parks Associates has exciting new digital health research that shows growing consumer interest in online healthcare services,” Kent said in a press release issued Wednesday. “Many companies also have a vested interest in developing and deploying virtual healthcare as these services can lower costs and even provide differentiation as health reforms try to push more competition in choice of providers/facilities.”

From the article, "Report: 17 Million Households Want Virtual Chats with Health Experts" by Jared Reitzin.

Next: mHealth + Telehealth World 2014: Parks Associates Reveals 40% of U.S. Household Seek Health Info Online

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