Consumers want it, but providers don't offer it.

In this case, "it" is technology, and a new study from the Deloitte Center for Health Solutions suggests that healthcare providers have fallen behind the needs of their patients.

Nearly 80 percent of health care consumers are interested in having their physicians provide online access to medical records and test results; as many as one-fourth (26 percent) are willing to pay extra for these additional services.

Consumers are interested in using online tools to shop around to compare prices and the quality of care provided by their health care providers.  About two in three respondents are interested in visiting physician and hospital Web sites to research both the price and quality of services offered.

The survey also found that 3 out of 4 of consumers want their physicians to provide online access to an integrated medical record as well as the ability to schedule visits. More than 70 percent of consumers want their hospitals to provide online access to their medical record and test result.

The “2008 Survey of Health Care Consumers,” a representative poll of more than 3,000 Americans between the ages of 18 and 75, was conducted by the Deloitte Center for Health Solutions. It was directed by Paul Keckley, Executive Director of the Deloitte Center for Health Solutions, and William Copeland, Jr., National Managing Director of the Life Sciences and Health Care practice of Deloitte Consulting LLP.

“Patients clearly want and increasingly expect to be able to access their medical records and connect with their health care providers online,” said Russ Rudish, Vice Chairman and U.S. Health Care Providers Sector Leader, Deloitte LLP.