About 7% of U.S. physicians use Web-based videoconferencing tools to communicate with patients, according to a study from Manhattan Research, Healthcare IT News reports.
For the Pulse U.S. v.11.0 study, researchers surveyed 2,041 U.S. physicians on how they use telehealth tools and other technology in their practices.
Key Findings
The study found that physicians in certain specialty fields -- such as oncology and psychiatry -- are more likely to use videoconferencing to consult with patients.
Researchers also identified several challenges that could hinder physician use of telehealth tools, such as:
- HIPAA regulations;
- Liability issues; and
- Reimbursement concerns.
Manhattan Research President Meredith Ressi said that despite the obstacles to telehealth adoption, researchers "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" (Merrill, Healthcare IT News, 5/16).