When U.S. patients envision their future medical care, the majority see telehealth playing a role, Healthcare Dive reports. But when presented with the choice between an in-person or video visit for nonemergent care, most prefer a traditional in-office visit, according to new research analyzing consumer telehealth preferences.
The survey conducted by the nonprofit Rand Corporation published in JAMA on Wednesday found those who leaned toward in-person care were more willing to pay for their preferred visit modality, while those who preferred video visits were more sensitive to out-of-pocket costs.
Of the respondents who had used telehealth at least once since last March, only 2.3% said they were unwilling to use telehealth in the future, suggesting the method’s continued importance in hybrid models of care even after the pandemic — though it’s unlikely to be most patients’ first choice, researchers said. Read more.
