A new survey shows that individuals want to communicate with health insurers and physicians through electronic means for advice on improving health conditions and coordinating better health care with providers. The Microsoft Health Engagement Survey 2009 found that of the 1,002 participants in the survey, taken in March, 66% are interested in receiving health-related advice or reminder emails from their health insurance company and 52% would like emails containing feedback on their health progress.
Despite the self-help tools and Web sites that insurers offer, 49% of individuals feel their health plans support them only when they need a doctor, instead of helping them to stay well, according to the survey. Hospital executives should see this shortcoming as an opportunity to expand their market share by offering eHealth related services in preventive care such as hosting educational events, utilizing CRM systems, presenting health content using Web 2.0 applications, providing patient portals and creating disease management sites - to name just a few possibilities.
To read the full article and gain access to the survey follow this link:
www.healthcareitnews.com/news/consumers-want-technology-help-keep-them-healthy-survey-shows
