More consumers look to use tech in their healthcare journey

More Americans are seeking technology as part of their healthcare experience, according to UnitedHealthcare's annual survey of consumer sentiment. The survey of 1,008 adults was conducted for United by Engine Insights by phone and supplemental interviews last August, and found that 75 percent of respondents are prepared for this year's open enrollment season, which runs from November 1 to December. Some 37 percent of those surveyed in this year's survey have used the internet or mobile apps to comparison shop for care, up from 14 percent in 2012, according to other United sources. Millennials (50 percent) were the most likely to use comparison-shopping resources. Among all comparison shoppers, 80 percent described the process as "very helpful" or "somewhat helpful," including 39 percent saying the shopping process prompted them to change their healthcare provider, facility, or both.