There is a growing “mobile first” trend, as consumers increasingly want to preform everyday tasks and utilize services on their smartphones, and this trend is moving into healthcare. A recent consumer survey indicates that consumers want more transparency, convenience and control of their own healthcare, particularly through mobile access, and, this demand could be influencing their healthcare decisions.
A survey by Metova, a provider of mobile, connected care, connected home and Internet of Things (IoT) solutions, found that 80 percent of consumers would be more likely to visit a doctor or seek treatment if they could see the exact out-of-pocket cost on their smartphone. And, three-quarters of consumers are interested in viewing and managing their health care benefits using a smartphone.
Metova surveyed 1,000 consumers who have healthcare to gauge their understanding of their health benefits, and to find if technology can improve their experience.
Nearly half of consumers have avoided going to the doctor or seeking treatment due to uncertainty around their benefits, according to the survey. Looking at the role of technology, nine out of 10 consumers said they would like an app that provides notification when a doctor sends a prescription along with pharmacy location and pickup time. In addition, 60 percent would like to purchase eyeglasses or contact lenses using their smartphone.
“It’s impressive to see how having a clear understanding of out-of-pocket cost on a smartphone would have a powerful positive effect on consumers’ deciding to seek treatment or even visit a doctor,” Jonathan Sasse, CMO at Metova, said in a statement. “Our sentiment surveys overwhelmingly demonstrate that the new connected consumer is ready and wanting to manage a wide range of facets of everyday services all via their smartphone, and that a person will choose one business, or even a doctor or insurance providers over another based on this mobile experience.”
Ken Erickson, CEO at Bridge Purchasing Solutions, said in a statement, “The healthcare industry is overdue for disruption. Consumers want more transparency, convenience, and control of their own healthcare.”
