74% of consumers say easy electronic access to health data would improve their knowledge of their health and improve communication with their physicians, according to a recent survey. The October/November 2015 HealthMine survey of 502 U.S. consumers reveals 53% of consumers cannot access all of their health data from a computer. With higher deductibles and rising healthcare costs, Americans rolling into their 2016 health plans will assume more responsibility for both the cost and control of their healthcare.
As of 2013, 78% of office-based physicians were using an EHR/EMR system. Yet EMRs are far from delivering on their promise for American consumers. According to HealthMine’s survey, 60% of people say they are unsure, or do not have all of their health data stored in EMRs.
Additionally, the survey finds that digital access to health data remains a struggle for many Americans; 30% of people say they have had trouble accessing their health data when they needed it:
– 32% have had difficulty accessing their medical record.
– 31% have had difficulty accessing their biometric information.
– 29% have had difficulty accessing their lab record.
– 29% have had difficulty accessing their insurance information.
– 25% have had difficulty accessing their prescription history.
Furthermore, 39% of consumers have not attempted to access their clinical health data from a mobile device.
Previous research shows that 65% of Americans who don’t have electronic access to their health information say it’s important to have it. In fact, 80% of Americans who have access to their health information in electronic health records actually use it. Digital access can facilitate keeping track of medical history, test results, medicines and dosages. Additionally, as most consumers today have multiple healthcare providers, electronic records can help better coordinate care.
Survey Background/Methodology
The HealthMine survey queried 502 consumers planning to enroll in a 2016 health plan and was fielded by Survey Sampling International (SSI) in October 2015. Data were collected via an opt-in panel. The margin of error is 4%. Survey Sampling International (SSI) has been the Worldwide Leader in Survey Sampling and Data Collection Solutions, across every mode, for 37 Years.
