Sunday, March 18, 2001

Only 37% of Practicing Doctors Use the Web

A new eMarketer report, which aggregates data from more than 100 research organizations, reveals that only 37% of actively practicing doctors are using the web. According to the eHealth Report, released today by eMarketer, 85% of those doctors online use the internet for medical information and 57% for communications with professional associations.

"This (37%) is an alarmingly low number, considering that healthcare is a $1.2 trillion industry," said Geoff Ramsey, eMarketer CEO. "Compared to other industries and professions in today's wired economy, it seems that the healthcare industry and doctors in particular, have a ways to go to catch up."

The eHealth Report also reveals that 69% of web users who use the internet for health-related reasons are seeking general healthcare information. Of these, 34% are looking for mental health information, 21% purchase medicines, nutritional supplements or other healthcare items and 16% seek advice from a doctor other than their own.

"For B2C health companies to play an increasingly significant role in healthcare, they will have to place themselves into the patient-provider relationship," said Ramsey. "They must also use their technology to facilitate and streamline the provision of care."

The eHealth Report offers the most comprehensive and accurate picture available on the use of the internet in the largest industry in the US, the $1.2 trillion healthcare market. It surveys both the consumer and business aspects of the burgeoning online healthcare market from the point of view of the insurers, providers and patients. The report provides key statistics and information in over 138 pages and 150 charts and graphs and includes aggregated research data from more than 100 research organizations and consultancies.

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