Nearly 90% of Online Medical Consultation Users Want to Continue Using Services

Insights into Online Medical Consultations

With the surge in popularity of online medical consultations prompted by the pandemic, ITSUKI, an internet service provider based in Tokyo, has conducted a comprehensive survey aimed at revealing the perceptions and experiences of users aged 20 to 50 regarding online healthcare services. The results highlight a significant acceptance and future interest in these consultations, with nearly 90% of users eager to continue utilizing them.

Background of the Survey

The rapid adoption of online medical consultations has transformed how we approach healthcare. Originally introduced as a method to mitigate the burden of in-person visits and prevent the spread of COVID-19, these services are now being recognized as a viable option for regular medical care. However, some users still express concerns related to the accuracy of diagnoses, the quality of communication technology, and varying degrees of IT literacy. To explore these factors, ITSUKI collected data from a diverse sample of 2,994 participants through internet surveys conducted between May 28 and June 2, 2025.

Key Findings

User Demographics

The survey revealed that just under 9% of men and women in their 20s to 50s have previously utilized online medical consultations. This is a noteworthy figure that demonstrates a growing openness to alternative healthcare options among younger and middle-aged adults.

Preferred Medical Specialties

Among those who have sought online consultations, the most common specialty was internal medicine, with 37.1% of respondents reporting they had received care in this area. Following internal medicine, dermatology was the second most common specialty at 24.7%, and psychiatry or mental health services accounted for 15.8%.

Reasons for Engaging in Online Consultations

When asked about their motivations for choosing online consultations, respondents cited several key factors: the top reason was the delivery of prescribed medications to their homes, reported by 37.8% of users. Additionally, 30.5% of respondents noted that they were deterred by the inconveniences of in-person visits and lengthy waiting times.

Positive Experiences

Respondents who participated in online consultations reported significant benefits, with 59.9% enjoying the lack of travel time and 53.3% appreciating the reduced waiting periods. Furthermore, 25.5% valued the easier communication experience with their physicians during these online interactions.

Challenges Faced

Despite the positive outcomes, some challenges were noted. Although 52.9% of users indicated they did not encounter any major problems, 19.7% mentioned limitations in the types of conditions that could be treated online, while 17.4% experienced interruptions in audio or video communication during their consults.

Future Utilization Intent

In closing, the survey revealed that about 90% of those who had used online medical consultations expressed a desire to continue using them in the future. Specifically, 35.9% indicated they would consider using the service based on their conditions, while 33.6% said they would actively seek to use these services regularly, and 18.9% would use them whenever possible.

Conclusion

The findings from thi
s survey conducted by ITSUKI highlight the strong interest in online medical consultations, especially among individuals aged 20 to 50. The predominant specialty sought was internal medicine, and the leading reasons for engaging in these services included the convenience of home medication delivery and reduced wait times.

Despite some concerns about limited treatment options and technical issues, close to nine-tenths of users are enthusiastic about continuing to engage in online healthcare. In an era where convenience and efficiency are paramount, online medical consultations stand out as a promising solution. To support this growing trend, ITSUKI offers "ITSUKI Hikari," a high-speed internet service that ensures reliable connectivity for seamless online medical consultations.