We wonder if IM will be the next step? Although, if you're going to IM your physician (someone you know), wouldn't it be easier and faster to just chat on the phone, then continue with IM conversations as needed. We think it's faster to talk (and get more info from the patient and vice versa) then type. Could this also be a formula for virtual reference? Voice/chat first, then continue using IM (synchronous) or e-mail (asynchronous).
From the Seattle P-I article:
As rising medical costs and long waits in doctors' offices concern patients, medical systems are looking for ways to make health care more affordable and convenient. Providing e-mail access for patients is a logical step, many say.
But if it's such a no-brainer, why isn't everybody doing it?
Cost and privacy concerns, for the most part, say local health care providers, many of whom are moving toward implementing e-mail access as part of a switch to electronic medical records.
Since 2000, Group Health has offered its patients full online access to physicians through secure and private e-mail. The online services are available at no additional charge to members and are part of the premium paid to be a part of the health plan....As of July, more than 32,000 secure e-mails were sent per month by patients using the program and more than 63,000 prescriptions were ordered through the pharmacy per month.
Suppose patient@aol.com finds you through your website and e-mails you to get your opinion on a specific medical problem. How should you reply?
E-mail seems so informal and conversational that you may be lulled into casually responding to requests for medical advice. But e-mail creates a written, reproducible, signed, and dated document—which the patient has access to, and which can become evidence in a malpractice lawsuit against you.
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