Medical Group Management Association’s most recent MGMA Stat poll asked healthcare leaders if their practices would “prescribe” consumer wearables if the EHR could integrate the data. Overall, 6% of respondents indicated their practices were currently doing so, while 35% said they would consider “prescribing” these wearables if the EHR could integrate data from consumer wearables. While 18% responded they would not do so, 41% were unsure if their organization would integrate data into their health record from wearable technology. Additionally, there were a large number of respondents who were not clear on the meaning of “consumer wearables”.
Most of the respondents who were currently using data from patients’ wearables stated they are not yet utilizing this functionality while the 35% that indicated, “yes,” would recommend consumer wearables if the data could be integrated into their EHR expressed how the technology would allow for shared accountability for health, transparency in monitoring sleep patterns and exercise as well as promoting data-based lifestyle changes. One respondent noted that, “it would be a great and proactive way to not only monitor health and health outcomes, but also to change behavior.”
Ultimately, the majority of practice leaders reported that they are “unsure” if they would “prescribe” consumer wearables if the EHR could integrate this data. Top concerns communicated were of coverage and reimbursement from insurance companies, reliability of the data generated by the device, security risks with electronic information transfer and efficacy of implementation.
The poll was conducted on October 24, 2017 with 1104 total responses. Of this total, 110 indicated the question was not applicable to their situation with a net of 994 applicable responses.
MGMA Stat is a national poll that addresses practice management topics, the impact of new legislation, and related topics. Participation is open to all healthcare professionals. Results of other polls and information on how to participate in MGMA Stat is available at: mgma.org/stat
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