Patient-Powered Health: Embracing Technology Solutions

Technology continues to be a central part of our lives (how many of us can live without our smart phones?) and health management technology is growing as well. Even older patients are increasingly embracing technology – some more willingly than others. COVID pushed many to use technology more often to stay in contact, whether through social media, texting, or video calls. Health management technology is also becoming more prevalent in doctors’ offices, with many encouraging patients to join their portals to interact with office staff and practitioners.

MD Analytics surveyed 1000 people in the US and 1000 in Canada to see how they are utilizing and leveraging technology as a tool in managing their health. During COVID, many of us were forced to see physicians virtually. Currently, for urgent visits, over 80% of patients prefer in person visits. Even for non-urgent visits, over half prefer in person visits over virtual. Virtual and phone options are preferred for billing questions and booking appointments.