A main theme of electronic documents is improved communication between health care providers.
So what e-mail and electronic communication between patients and doctors? Is this a good thing?
In California, Kaiser Permanente health insurer has launched a program allowing patients and doctors to communicate by e-mail it two years ago, reported Bay Area News Group based in San Francisco .
Kaiser system informs the physician or the patient by email when there is a message for them on the secure website of the insurer California.
"I think [email] is very useful when the patient requires clarification of the issues we discussed in a meeting," said Dr. Daniel Combitsis, a Kaiser primary care physician.
"It is also helpful when reviewing lab tests. Rather than trying to find someone on the phone, or just send a letter a few days later, I can explain their [test] results in a message in a timely manner without pressure, "added Dr.Combitsis.
most agree that email between patients and doctors can be a time and money saver. But sometimes the emails lead to miscommunications
Like humans, a much of our daily communication is based on physical reactions - .. including facial expression and tone of voice
"most of what we do as doctors is to understand and interpret communications. Even when talking to a patient on the phone, a layer is removed from the process of communication, "said Dr. Caren Vance.
"I can read a level of anxiety in person, and even on the phone, but not in an email," Dr. Vance said.
in general, health professionals agree with Dr. Vance. Email should not replace personal contact and physical appointment, wrote the article Bay Area News, he should complete the relationship of a patient with their doctor.
"It is not useful as a discussion of an initial problem, but it is wonderful for a problem that could have come back after resolving out. It allows the conversation to continue rather than waiting for a visit back, "said Dr. William Lide, a dermatologist Kaiser.
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