Statistics show that face-to-face interaction with physicians is still the gold standard of care and that most people prefer this to depending on technology.

Although 15 million texts are made and sent every minute, less than 10 percent of the American population has ever texted or emailed their physicians.

GlaxoSmithKline conducted a survey along with The Atlantic for one thousand Americans about technology usage and healthcare.

The results show:

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Many patients are concerned about electronic security and confidentiality and many medical facilities do not have an established system to accommodate patients that prefer digital communication. Some physicians fear that patients will ask about problems that should really be seen or that serious ailments may be missed.

There are hospitals and doctor practices were websites are available to log in for test results or messages can be left for doctors within a secure system that abides by HIPPAA laws and regulations.

When asked whether health information has been searched on line, the results were as follows:

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What do people use the Internet for, if not to figure out things about the nature of their bodies? Of those who do, though, here’s where they go:

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Here’s how people generally use these sites:

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And even though a third of people haven’t gone online to read about medical things at all, a significant number are on board with paying to consult their doctor via text or email. Wealthy and rural people, especially.

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What has your experience been obtaining your healthcare information?  Have you been to one of these sites or another one?

Does your doctor have a website established for you to get the information thou need?  See more information on how to determine reliable websites and how to seek your information at:

https://www.themedicalstrategist.com/power-to-the-patient.html