Physicians report telemedicine boosts access, contributes to better disease management, and improves patient outcomes
As part of the study, Doximity analyzed the adoption of its telemedicine tools across its physician membership and surveyed both physician telemedicine users and patients about their experiences. Both physicians and patients reported telemedicine has increased access to health care services and strengthened physician-patient communications. The majority of physicians also reported telemedicine has contributed to better disease management, improved patient outcomes and satisfaction, and better or equivalent adherence to treatment plans.
“While in-person care continues to be a cornerstone of health care delivery, telemedicine serves as a valuable complement to this care,” said Nate Gross, MD, co-founder and chief strategy officer at Doximity. “Findings from this study indicate that telemedicine and in-person care are allies, not competitors, in providing timely, comprehensive, and patient-focused care.”
Key Findings from Physician Survey:
- The majority of physicians surveyed (67%) reported telemedicine has contributed to better disease management. This figure rises to 77% among oncologists, with a quarter of oncology telemedicine users reporting the technology has contributed to earlier diagnosis and intervention.
- Nearly 84% of physician telemedicine users reported telemedicine has increased patient satisfaction in their practice.
- Nearly two-thirds (64%) of physician telemedicine users reported telemedicine has improved patient outcomes in their practice, with only 1% reporting worsened outcomes.
- More than two-thirds (69%) of physician telemedicine users surveyed reported it has helped them better understand and address their patients’ social determinants of health, with an additional 25% agreeing they believe it can help.
Key Findings from Patient Survey:
- More than three out of four patients surveyed (78%) – regardless of past telemedicine experience – indicated that they would like access to virtual care options in the future. This figure rises to 95% among patients who had a telemedicine visit in the past year.
- In the survey, 95% of patients with a telemedicine visit in the past year said it maintained or improved their care satisfaction, and 96% reported equivalent or better overall medical care.
- Among patients who received some form of virtual care in the past year, 78% said it improved their access to health care services, 82% said it helped them keep up with their care, and 74% reported better communication with their providers.
