A newly released consumer-satisfaction survey conducted by Deloitte Consulting reveals U.S. consumers want a more convenient, accessible and innovative healthcare system.

The survey found 60% of consumers want their doctors to provide online access to medical records, test results and appointment scheduling. Thirty-four percent said they would visit a retail clinic for care and nearly 40% said they would consider going overseas for a surgical procedure if they could save 50% or more on costs and be assured the quality of care was equal to or better than what they would receive stateside.

Healthcare affordability and access to coverage was another major concern among consumers, according to the survey. Ninety-three percent of those surveyed said they aren’t well-prepared for future healthcare costs, while 84% said they prefer generic to name-brand drugs. Twenty-nine percent said they would support a tax increase to help cover the uninsured.

In terms of innovation, one in three consumers said they want more holistic and alternative therapies included in their treatment programs, while 75% said they want expanded use of in-home monitoring devices and online tools that would reduce the need for doctor visits.

The "2008 Survey of Health Care Consumers" polled a nationally representative sample of more than 3,000 Americans 18 and older Sept 23, 2007, using a Web-based questionnaire. -- by Shawn Rhea @ Crain Publications