More consumers want access to digital doctor visits, says a new survey from the American Telemedicine Association. The results from a survey of 429 consumers finds 22% of respondents have used telehealth and a video conference to meet with a doctor online, with the most interactions happening at home.  Of the 78% of respondents who had not used telehealth in the last year, a majority reported that they thought telehealth would be more convenient, even though their provider did not offer virtual appointments. Ease of scheduling, reduced travel and increased access to care for immobile patients would motivate them to choose virtual visits over in-person care, the survey says. “Clearly consumers are not only becoming aware of telemedicine but starting to demand access to it,” says American Telemedicine Association CEO  Jonathan D. Linkous. “It is becoming a part of the standard of care that should be made available throughout the country.” Patients who report having used telehealth in the past year did so an average of 1-4 times, says the association. Respondents were allowed to choose multiple answers.

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