As millennials are now a primary group of adult consumers and patients, medical practices should consider how millennial views and expectations regarding health care have been shaped by access to the Internet, mobile devices, social media, etc. There are four points to consider:

1. Digital Technology
   Medical practices should consider increasing their digital technologies, such as websites, patient portals, apps, etc., due to millennials being avid supporters of digital access. A survey from Salesforce.com shows 60% of millennials would be interested in telemedicine, such as video chats. Others have expressed interests in mobile apps to set appointments, review records and manage preventative care and in wearing devices that will directly share data with their doctors.
2. Online Presence
   Practices should consider maintaining an online presence for two reasons. First, millennials tend toward researching various sources and not just relying on their doctors for information. Although this can be helpful, it can also prevent patients from making wise medical choices. Doctors should be aware of reliable online sources to which to point their patients. Second, millennials often look for and trust reviews provided online. Practices should consider offering a site where reviews may be posted.
3. Cost Transparency
   Millennials are much more likely to research health care costs, searching for discounts or cheaper treatment options. Medical practices should consider posting costs online of the most commonly provided services, in addition to online payment options. This provides the patient with cost transparency and added digital access for paying bills.
4. Flexible Schedule
   Finally, medical practices may need to consider offering a variety of office hours, such as early mornings, late evenings and weekends, as millennials are more likely to attend walk-in clinics for immediate service if waiting for an appointment at a regular physician’s practice takes too long. In 2017, an Employee Benefit Research Institute survey showed that 67% of millennials had a primary care physician, compared to 78% of Gen Xers and 85% of Baby Boomers. In order to prevent the loss of millennial patients to retail clinics, medical practices may need to consider hiring more physicians, physicians’ assistants or nurse practitioners to offer more flexibility.

As millennials age, their needs may change over time. However, at this time, they are driving a consumer trend in health care that demands easier access, convenience and flexibility.

For more information contact Anne Beason at 312.670.7444. Visit ORBA.com to learn more about our Health Care Group.

© 2020