More Americans use mobile phones for healthcare information

Since many doctors are struggling to implement new forms of technology into their day-to-day operations, it can be difficult for these individuals to focus on the long-term benefits that electronic medical billing, eprescribing and other new healthcare resources are likely to have. For example, many physicians and small medical facility mangers should take note of the big picture: More Americans are relying on technology for their medical needs.

According to a new study by Manhattan Research, nearly 1 out of every 3 American adults say they have used a mobile phone to obtain information on healthcare in the last year. The results were part of the organization's Cybercitizen Health U.S. 2011 study, which was released on October 20. ravel wedding celebrity

In total, the survey polled more than 8,000 Americans who were 18 years old or older during the third quarter of 2011. Around 26 percent of Americans now say they use mobile applications for their health needs, which was up from the 12 percent observed during a similar study from 2010.

"Growth in mobile health is impressive, but still in line with our and several health stakeholders' expectations," Monique Levy, vice president of research at Manhattan Research, said in a press release. "The interesting part is when, how and from where mobile phones are being used. Getting these details will impact the success of mobile investments in 2011 and 2012."

Since many Americans find this method of getting information to be more convenient, it may inspire doctors who were previously looking to put off their electronic transitions to products such as Lytec EMR, Medisoft or Allscripts. By using eprescribing, for example, doctors can effortlessly send information to pharmacies, which can then fill prescriptions. In addition, many of these healthcare outlets have been investing in mobile platforms that allow them to easily send mobile messages to customers when their prescriptions are ready.