The latest results of Internet Survey of MedicineTM.

The latest results of Healtheon Corp._s Internet Survey of MedicineTM revealed that 85% of physicians surveyed are currently using the Internet, an increase in regular online activity by doctors of 42% in the last three months, and a jump of 875% from 1997. The ongoing research project has chronicled almost 10,000 physicians_ computer needs and expectations over the last 3 years. The survey also found that more than 63% of the physicians surveyed use e-mail daily and 33% have used e-mail to communicate with patients. Doctor-patient communication via e-mail has jumped 200% in the last year and nearly 20% in the last three months. The use of e-mail for personal communications has also increased by 33% in the last year. More than 34% of the respondents noted that security remains a primary concern in the use of e-mail or other interactive Internet services. Other obstacles to Internet adoption include: lack of time (49%), lack of meaningful network content and services (20%), and cost (10%). Physicians and group practices with Web sites represent approximately 30% of the medical professionals surveyed; nearly a third of the specialty medical associations offer a Web site for their members. An additional 16% of doctors plan to post a Web site for their practice within the year.