Can Online Doctor-Patient Communication Provide Better Care?
Physicians and health care technology specialists believe the online communication between doctors and patients could help trigger the anticipated changeover to electronic health care information systems. According to government officials and industry leaders, this method of health care will not only reduce medical errors, but also promote better care overall. In fact, research at clinics at the University of California indicated using e-mail: • Decreased overall head costs • Improved productivity of physicians • Improved access to doctors for patients (including those who telephoned) There are, however, stipulations placed on the concept of medical messaging. Doctors who use the services are advised to limit their replies to appropriate topics and, under standard rules, can only reply to those patients who have previously been examined in the office.
