Direct Health Care: Usage Low Among US Seniors
TL/DR –
The University of Michigan National Poll on Healthy Aging found that only one in 13 adults over 50 have used direct-to-consumer (DTC) health care services from an online-only provider. The poll of 2,657 adults aged 50-80 found that 7.5% had used at least one DTC service, with higher rates among those 50 to 64 years old versus those 65 to 80 years old, and about half using it for general health care. According to Mark Fendrick, M.D., from the University of Michigan Institute for Healthcare Policy and Innovation, this sector of healthcare is predicted to grow and therefore needs more attention from providers, insurers, and regulators to determine how these services are being used and their impact on quality and safety.
Older Adults and Direct-to-consumer Health Services: A University of Michigan Study
The University of Michigan National Poll on Healthy Aging reveals that only 7.5% of older adults have utilized a direct-to-consumer (DTC) health care service from an online-only provider. The comprehensive survey, featuring 2,657 participants aged 50 to 80, was carried out by researchers from the University of Michigan Institute for Healthcare Policy and Innovation.
Findings from the survey indicate a disparity among age groups in the use of DTC health care services, with higher usage rates seen among the 50 to 64 age group compared to those aged 65 to 80 (10% vs 4%). General health care was the most frequent use of such services, as reported by nearly half of the users, while 12% used it for mental health reasons.
Convenience was a major advantage cited by 55% of DTC users. However, a similar percentage felt that the overall quality of care received from their primary care provider surpassed that from a DTC provider. Interestingly, a third of DTC service users reported that their primary care provider was unaware of their usage, even when a new prescription was obtained through the DTC health encounter.
As the DTC health care sector anticipates significant growth in the coming years, stakeholders, including providers, insurers, and regulators, need to focus on understanding the reasons behind and the patterns of service use, and its implications on care quality and safety, as noted by Dr. Mark Fendrick from the University of Michigan.
For more details on this study, visit the University of Michigan National Poll on Healthy Aging.
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