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Survey Shows Strong Desire for Telehealth

Peter Killcommons

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The founder and CEO of medical technology company Medweb, Peter “Pete” Killcommons, MD, devotes a considerable amount of his personal resources and time to humanitarian endeavors in developing countries around the world. Dr. Peter Killcommons is a member of the American Telemedicine Association (ATA).

A Washington D.C.-based nonprofit organization, ATA has a membership of over 10,000 healthcare professionals and industry leaders, making it the largest telehealth-focused association. It aims to change healthcare by improving its affordability, quality, and equity across the globe. The association is well-known for the distinctive, high quality advocacy, education, and networking options it offers.

The results of a survey conducted by the organization and online patient provider WECO Health was presented during ATA’s 2016 Fall Forum event held in New Orleans. The survey among active healthcare users revealed that there is interest among consumers in utilizing telehealth as a supplement or replacement to in-person care, with the top motivating factor being convenience.

The respondents overwhelmingly disclosed that there was no issue as to the quality of care between telehealth and traditional care. There is persistent confusion, however, as to whether telehealth is covered by their insurer or health provider.