Concerns Hold Down Doctors’ Use of E-mail

Most U.S. doctors don’t use e-mail with their patients, the Associated Press (AP) reported April 23. The AP cited recent studies that show fewer than one-third of doctors e-mail patients, but when they do it can save time. Patients who used e-mail were less likely to phone or visit. Doctors also responded faster to e-mails than to phone calls. But doctors are concerned that e-mail may increase their work without payment, AP reported. They also worry about privacy and getting e-mails about problems that are urgent. Experts told AP that training can help expand e-mail use between patients and doctors.