While only 9 percent of consumers surveyed have an electronic personal health record, 42 percent are interested in establishing PHRs connected online to their physicians.

Fifty-five percent want the ability to communicate with their doctor via e-mail to exchange health information and get answers to questions.

Fifty-seven percent reported they’d be interested in scheduling appointments, buying prescriptions and completing other transactions online if their information is protected.

Technology that can facilitate consumer transactions with providers and health plans, such as integrated billing systems that make bill payment faster and more convenient, appeal to nearly half (47 percent) of consumers surveyed.

The survey of more than 4,000 U.S. consumers 18 and older was released at the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society’s annual conference in Chicago last week. It’s the second annual study examining healthcare consumers’ attitudes, behaviors and unmet needs conducted by the Deloitte Center for Health Solutions.

via Industry News | Healthcare IT News.