New Study Of U.S. Physicians Offers Insights Into Their Rapidly-Changing Medical Practice & New Technology Usage

NEW YORK, July 20, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- On the heels of the Supreme Court's decision to uphold the Affordable Care Act (ACA), leading medical news site for healthcare professionals MedPage Today releases the findings from a survey of physicians, Today's Physician: Managing Change. The survey uncovers insights into physicians' points of view and demonstrates their ever-increasing interactions and usage habits with digital technology.  Plus, it offers advice on how marketers can better engage this increasingly over-scheduled and difficult to reach audience.

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The first in a series of three studies with physicians, Today's Physician: Managing Change by MedPage Today demonstrates that physicians are increasingly worried about their futures amidst a rapidly evolving landscape for medical care in the U.S. – 1 in 10 doctors anticipate closing their practice in 5 years. Another concern is a 43 percent increase in the number of weekly patients.  Physicians report they have less time to spend with each patient, as well as less time for their own continuing education to attend conferences, read journals, and meet with pharmaceutical reps. 

There is no digital divide among doctors.  No matter what age demographic, physicians cite digital touch points as effective tools. 80 percent of doctors believe that advances in technology have improved their communication with patients.  More than two-thirds spend three or more hours on a computer each day, and one in four physicians spend over three hours on a mobile device.  The number one reason for doctors using the internet and mobile devices is for medical news.

"Today's physicians are heavy users of technology in both their professional and personal lives; there is, however, a gap between how they would like to use technology at work and what they can do with it today," said Dr. Kevin Pho, MD, founder of KevinMD.com and a leading physician voice within the social media space. "The interest is there, now we need solutions that can help the patient and physician in a simple and seamless way."

Two additional Today's Physician research waves will be conducted by MedPage Today over the next year. For daily headlines, breaking medical news, award-winning series, and original studies like this one, visit MedPageToday.com, sign up for the newsletter, and download the free MedPage Today Mobile app – the #2 most popular free medical app on iTunes. Marketers interested in receiving deeper insights from this study and actionable ways to reach physicians; please contact [email protected].

About MedPage Today

MedPage Today is the fastest growing news organization serving healthcare professionals (comScore.) The company's daily, peer-reviewed news coverage delivered via the web and mobile applications allows healthcare professionals to put breaking medical news into practice. MedPage Today also offers coverage of health conferences from around the world in almost any specialty, and physicians can access live video interviews and dialogues to encourage conversation and better health outcomes.

About Everyday Health, Inc.

Everyday Health is the leading new media health company.  Attracting 38 million people monthly through its popular websites, mobile applications, and social media presence, Everyday Health inspires consumers to live healthier lives and helps doctors make more informed decisions for their patients. Everyday Health reaches an additional one million viewers per episode through its Emmy-nominated, weekly TV series on ABC stations.  The Company's broad portfolio of products spans the health spectrum, from in-depth medical content for condition prevention and management to healthy lifestyle offerings. Everyday Health was founded in 2002 by CEO, Ben Wolin, and President, Mike Keriakos.

Source: comScore Media Metrix; comScore Video Metrix; Facebook Insights; Twitter

SOURCE Everyday Health, Inc.

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