New survey findings reveal moms want 24/7 access to medical care

Findings underscore need for telemedicine tools such as LiveHealth® Online offered by Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield

DENVER--()--The results of a new “Moms and Health Technology Survey” found that moms are constantly looking for better and easier ways to manage their family’s health, with all agreeing (100%) that having round the clock access to a doctor would be helpful. Additionally, seventy-one percent (71%) of moms surveyed reported losing more than two hours from the work/school day due to taking their child for a doctor visit, underscoring the critical need and importance of more convenient access to healthcare.

The survey was released by LiveHealth® Online, an online resource that provides 24/7 access to board-certified doctors who are accessible via video chat on smartphones, tablets or PCs. Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield offers coverage for online visits to many of its health plan members when patients see doctors using LiveHealth Online.

“Research shows that busy working moms can find it challenging to see a doctor when they need to address a non-emergency health issue” said Elizabeth Kraft, M.D., medical director for Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield. “We understand the importance about how mobile technology is evolving and providing moms with new tools that help manage, track and access health information. Now, more than ever, women need access to information and technology that enables them to focus on health and wellness for themselves and their families.”

The “Moms and Health Technology Survey” was conducted by EmpowHER®, an online health community for women. The survey consisted of responses from more than 500 moms regarding their use of health technology tools, apps and trackers to understand their current habits and anticipated needs.

Key Survey Findings:

  • Eighty two percent (82%) of moms surveyed say they are the most “health tech-savvy” in their family.
  • Sixty-four percent (64%) of moms surveyed say that having access to healthcare on-demand is more important than having streaming video or food delivery.
  • Sixty-four percent (64%) of women surveyed said they find it challenging to take their kids to the doctor during office hours during the school year.
  • Seventy-nine percent (79%) of moms surveyed say they’re interested in trying or learning more about telemedicine to help themselves and/or their family when faced with a non-emergency medical issue.
  • Over half of moms surveyed (54%) said online video visits with a doctor would make them more confident that they can attend to their family’s health or would be like having a health security blanket.
  • In addition, health technology tools are giving moms hope for the future with sixty-one percent (61%) of those surveyed agreeing that health technology innovations will lead to better overall health for their children.

“The results of this survey, plus the growing utilization of technology, reveal the importance of health related tools for women and emphasize this increased need for healthcare to become more convenient when they are unable to reach their doctor’s office, especially with an anticipated shortage of primary care doctors, crowded ERs and continued rising costs,” said John Jesser, President of LiveHealth Online. “Moms in particular are benefitting from the merger of technology and health and using tools such as LiveHealth Online because it allows them to get better access to doctors, be more efficient with time and keep their families and themselves healthy.”

To learn more about the survey, visit http://www.empowher.com/healthy-technology/content/infographic-are-you-tech-savvy-mom-see-what-our-community-said, and to learn more about LiveHealth Online, visit LiveHealthOnline.com.

About LiveHealth® Online

LiveHealth® Online is a mobile app and website that provides consumers with a convenient way to have a live video conversation with a doctor, get a diagnosis and receive treatment if needed for common urgent care-type health conditions. Consumers can access U.S.-based board certified doctors through livehealthonline.com or on an iOS or Android smartphone or tablet using the free app. The cost of an online visit using LiveHealth Online is $49 or less depending on whether insurance coverage is available for the visit. Online therapy visits with a licensed therapist or psychologist via LiveHealth Online are available in all 50 states, plus DC. In addition, Cuidado Medico, provides Spanish-speaking consumers the option of using LiveHealth Online to see physicians who speak Spanish and is currently available in California and Nevada. LiveHealth Online is secure, private, easy-to-use and affordable. LiveHealth® Online is the trade name of Health Management Corporation, a separate company that provides telehealth services.

Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield is the trade name of Rocky Mountain Hospital and Medical Service, Inc., an independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association. ® ANTHEM is a registered trademark of Anthem Insurance Companies, Inc. The Blue Cross and Blue Shield names and symbols are registered marks of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. Additional information about Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Colorado is available at www.anthem.com.

Research methodology: The “Moms and Health Technology” ” survey was fielded online at EmpowHER.com (via Survey Monkey) from July 25—August 12, 2016. The sample is comprised of 527 U.S. women aged 18-59 years with children.

Contacts

Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Colorado
Tony Felts, 317-287-6036
Tony.Felts@anthem.com

Release Summary

Survey results show moms like telehealth options that enable them to see a doctor via webcam for non-emergency medical conditions.

Contacts

Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Colorado
Tony Felts, 317-287-6036
Tony.Felts@anthem.com