The vast majority (94%) of people in the United States who have used virtual primary care are satisfied with their experience, and nearly four in five (79%) say it has allowed them to take charge of their health. Survey respondents also indicated that convenience (35%) and accessibility (31%) are among the top traits that attract them to digital methods like virtual primary care. The survey was conducted by the Harris Poll on behalf of Elevance Health (formerly Anthem, Inc.).

However, while a majority like/find virtual primary care appealing, people still have questions. Around three in ten respondents who have not used virtual primary care as a source of primary care (31%) believe that doctors need to see their problem in person to know what is wrong. Around a fifth do not know if virtual care is covered by their insurance, so they feel it may cost more (21%).

The survey also found that Americans with a chronic health condition are more likely than those without to be familiar with virtual primary care (52% vs. 42%). This group is also more likely to have ever used such care (36% vs. 25%) – specifically for each of the following (chronic health condition vs. without chronic condition):

• Prescriptions (19% vs. 12%)

• General wellness/treatment plans (10% vs. 7%)

• Addressing a non-urgent medical problem (8% vs. 5%)

• Quickly addressing a new acute or urgent medical problem (7% vs. 5%)

• Getting a referral to a specialist (6% vs. 4%)

• Addressing urgent issues or flare-ups associated with chronic conditions (6% vs. 3%)

“As we develop the future of consumer-centered healthcare, it is important that we create a digital care network that gives individuals access to a spectrum of connected services, which includes virtual primary care as well as in-office, in-home, and digital services,” said Rajeev Ronanki, Elevance Health's President of Digital Platforms.