About half, or 48%, of Americans have heard of virtual primary care and 32% have actually used it, a new survey showed. But of those who have used it, 79% said it has allowed them to “take charge of their health.”

The Monday report was commissioned by insurer Elevance Health and conducted by The Harris Poll. It received responses from 5,009 adults in March.

As digital health gains popularity, the survey provides payers and other healthcare stakeholders with key information on consumers’ preferences when it comes to virtual primary care.

“Consumers are using digital technologies at an accelerating pace, and consistent with this, we’re seeing at Elevance Health use of telehealth that is nearly 20 times greater than pre-pandemic levels,” said Rajeev Ronanki, president of digital platforms at Elevance Health, in a news release. “Virtual primary care gives individuals the opportunity to work with innovative services that make healthcare more convenient, accessible, and fit into their increasingly busy schedules. The study’s findings reiterate the desires of consumers to use digital technology — along with using traditional in-person care options — to take control of their health.”

The main reason consumers like virtual primary care is its convenience, the survey found. About 35% of respondents said they enjoy it because it allows them to talk with a physician no matter their location. Another 31% said they like the 24/7 availability of virtual care, and 30% said it’s easy to use.

Many of the respondents said they would use virtual primary care in the future. In the next year, 52% said they would use it in addition to their current primary healthcare provider. Another 59% said they would in the next two to five years, and 62% said they would beyond the next five years.

Virtual primary care is especially beneficial for those with chronic conditions, who may struggle to meet a provider in person, the survey showed. About two-thirds of those living with a chronic condition feel virtual primary care will help them improve their health. Those with a chronic condition are also 10% more likely than those without a chronic condition to be familiar with virtual primary care and 11% more likely to have used it.

Despite the high satisfaction with virtual primary care, there is still uncertainty, Elevance said. About three in 10 who have used virtual primary care said they think they need to see a physician in person to know what’s wrong with their health. Another 21% said they’re not sure if virtual primary care is covered by insurance, and therefore think it may be more expensive. Elevance, however, includes it as a benefit in its health plans, the report said.

“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,” Ronanki said.

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