Archive | July, 2011

Patients want online communication with doctors, and more clinicians are listening

By on July 26, 2011 in Health Consumers, Health engagement, Health social networks, Internet and Health, medical home, Physicians, Telehealth

As people take on more DIY approaches in their daily lives for travel planning, photo management, and investing, they’re looking for health care touchpoints to do the same — especially, their physicians. In 2011, more doctors are responding to this patient-driven demand, based on data published in the InformationWeek digital health care issue July 25, [...]

Read full story • Comments { 14 }

How patients disclose medical diagnoses online

By on July 22, 2011 in Health care marketing, Health Consumers, Health engagement, Health social networks, Internet and Health

Once upon a time, being diagnosed with the “C” word, cancer, was information that kept people quiet and within the family. Today, social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter and blogs have increasingly become routine settings for discussions regarding the most personal of concerns” — like health care, according to an analysis titled, Seeking Social Solace: How Patients [...]

Read full story • Comments { 4 }

Most Americans don’t yet perceive the benefits of EHRs

By on July 21, 2011 in Design and health, Electronic health records, Health care information technology, Health care marketing, Health Consumers, Health engagement, Health marketing

Consider all the stakeholders with something to gain by moving from paper health records to digital electronic records. Who do you think would gain the most from EHRs, and who the least? A survey from Xerox finds that the among all the groups American adults say have the least to gain through EHRs is, the most common [...]

Read full story • Comments { 3 }

Boomers and aging: taking steps to change health behaviors, but unaware of heart disease risks

By on July 20, 2011 in Aging, Baby Boomers and Health, Health Consumers, Health engagement, Health literacy, Health marketing, Prevention and wellness, Public health, Seniors and health, Women and health

Baby Boomers are as optimistic as younger people. They’re equally concerned about losing their physical independence, facing major illnesses, losing their memory, and being able to pay for medical costs as they age. Roughly 40% of both Boomers and younger people are most concerned about facing cancer as they age, with only 13% of Boomers most concerned about [...]

Read full story • Comments { 0 }

Patient centered care lowers cost

By on July 19, 2011 in Health Consumers, Health Economics, Health engagement, Health literacy, Physicians

Patients who perceive their visit to the doctor was patient-centered, with more communication, receive fewer diagnostic tests and referrals, and yield lower expenses for diagnostic testing. A new study finds that patient-centered care leads to lower spending on health care over one year of care due to fewer specialty care referrals. A contributing factor to lower costs [...]

Read full story • Comments { 2 }