A growing number of consumers and physicians are expressing interest in the concept of tracking vital health signs with mobile devices.
According to a recent study conducted by PricewaterhouseCoopers, 31% of consumers said they would select an application for their mobile device to track and monitor personal health information.
In addition, 40% said they would pay for a mobile or remote monitoring device – which could include blood pressure cuffs and glucose and heart-rate monitors.
However, 64% would pay only if the device cost less than 50%, while just 41% agreed to participate in a monthly subscription program fee for the equipment.
In sharp contrast, a large majority of physicians – 88% – said they would like their patients to track their health remotely, while 63% confirmed they were already using personal devices for (personal) mobile health practices.
Interestingly, approximately 30% of the physicians admitted that US hospitals and practice leaders would be less than supportive of such an initiative.
This is apparently due to the fact that reimbursement payments are based primarily on in-person consultations.
