In previous posts in 2009, I commented on several new trends in healthcare in which patients are seeking medical care in new, non-traditional venues such as on-line clinics and retail clinics. A new report forecasting the top healthcare issues in 2010 expects this trend to continue and increase.

According to the report, “patients want better access to care, and jams in the delivery system are prompting them to seek quicker and more convenient treatment outside physicians’ offices and hospitals. These traditional care venues are being augmented with more choices, and providers of medical services are exploring alternative means for care delivery.”

Consumers were asked about their willingness to utilize alternative methods of accessing healthcare. Approximately 50% of respondents said they would be willing to seek healthcare via Internet or other computer technology and the same percentage said they would be willing to seek healthcare through telephone consultations. Moreover, 21% said the same about using mobile devices (text messaging).

The most preferred alternative method of accessing healthcare was E-mail consultations followed by online consultations. It is important to note that several insurers across the country (for example the Hawaii Medical Services Association, Aetna and Cigna) reimburse for e-consults and this is only likely to increase.

As for retail clinics, 36% of consumers said they would be willing to seek healthcare at these sites. The number of retail clinics has increased 20 times since 2005. Many of them are beginning to expand their scope of services to include management of chronic diseases such as asthma, osteoporosis and diabetes.