Does the idea of lugging around a heavy laptop during patient rounds sound tiresome? A significant percentage of health care providers think so.

This sentiment has paved the way for the iPad, once reserved for recreational purposes. Tech savvy doctors began using the iPad in their offices shortly after its launch two years ago, but those numbers have spiked recently. Use by United States doctors nearly doubled in the past year, with 62 percent of the doctors surveyed by Manhattan Research using the iPad for professional purposes.

Half of the doctors surveyed who owned iPads reported use of the device in the hospital, examination room and similar point-of-care situations.

The iPad’s design offers many benefits to doctors including:

• The ability to store electronic medical records in a mobile form similar to a paper chart that eliminates the barrier between doctor and patient.
• The ability to quickly communicate injuries, conditions and treatment options to patients.
• Instant access to a wealth of online medical references.

In the new report, the research firm also predicted that by 2013, two-thirds of health care providers in the United States will be using the iPad on a professional basis.

We love to see new products making people’s lives better. Whether you’re on an iPad, a Mac, a desktop or your smart phone, you can find health insurance quotes and information about choosing the right plan by visiting GoHealth. We’ve always fancied ourselves way ahead of the technology curve.