Chicago It's doubtful they use a stethoscope, tongue depressor or latex gloves in the process, but physicians are increasingly examining and using the high-tech Internet tool known as the World Wide Web for everything from gaining medical information to finding out about health care products, according to a study by the American Medical Association.

The organization recently released results of its 2000 AMA Study on Physicians' Use of the World Wide Web, a follow-up to its 1997 benchmark survey to determine the penetration of Web usage in the physician population. The data were gathered from 1,084 physicians from throughout the United States.

While 59 percent of respondents said they were not computer users, compared to 58 percent in 1997, one of the most significant figures is that physician Web usage hit 37 percent in 1999, a 17 percent jump over 1997.

And, according to the survey, the number of physicians who use the Internet is going to quickly increase, with 58 percent of respondents claiming they plan to acquire access to the Web within the next six months. That compares with 44 percent who in 1997 reported planning to have Internet access with the next six months.

Not surprisingly, given the relative adolescence of the Internet, younger physicians use it more than older ones do. In fact, 53 percent of proclaimed Internet users fell below the age of 49, versus 43 percent of nonusers in this age range, according to the study.

And more users tended to be in group-practice arrangements, with 32 percent using the Web versus 26 percent who were nonusers. Conversely, 36 percent of physicians in solo or partner practices were nonusers and 26 percent were users. The study found that physician specialty made no difference between Web users and nonusers.

Daily Web use among physicians increased 17 percent to 59 percent in 1999, according to the study, with 93 percent of those surveyed indicating Web use at least once a week and 51 percent admitting the frequency of their Web use has increased over the last six months.

At 91 percent, sending and receiving e-mail topped the list as to why physicians use the Internet. This was followed by 84 percent who said they used the Web to access medical information sources; 80 percent who used it to collect travel information; 76 percent who collected product information via the Web; and 66 percent who used it to communicate with professional associations.

Hot areas for Web use by physicians, according to the study, include collecting travel information, obtaining product information, communicating with professional associations, getting financial or conference information, purchasing products and services, and using brokerage services.

To purchase the complete AMA study ($2,800), call 800/621-8335 and ask for product code OP 207500. -J.P.P

WHO: National Center for Health Statistics

WHERE: www.cdc.gov/nchs/about.htm

WHAT: Statistics come in handy when developing a business strategy. They illustrate demographic areas of importance, show you who your customers are and offer comparable data so you can plan for the future. If you are looking for statistics related to the home health care industry, the National Center for Health Statistics is where you should begin your quest. NCHS, Hyattsville, Md., is a part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta. It is also the federal government's health statistics agency.

Before you visit the site, it is best to jot down specific information you wish to find. Then you can simply enter key words into the search option to locate data concerning health status, disability or home care-just a few of the topics covered. It is a very large site that holds a tremendous amount of information, but if you delve into it with a specific information goal, you will avoid feeling overwhelmed.

The site's opening page lists the "Top 10 Downloads"-the most popular statistics on the site. There is an option that lists the newest releases available, but if you click on the "Surveys and Data Collection Systems," you can narrow your scope.

In the home health care industry, statistics are as crucial to making good business decisions as following the birth and death of regulations. Keep a tight watch on the changing numbers and you might be surprised by the success such research brings.