This doctor does e-mails, not house calls...

Nords · 01-30-2008, 11:47 PM

Hey, Rich, here's your chance to get in on the ground floor of the latest medical trend:

Internet helps doctor get back to basics

Quote:

Stark has moved most of his practice, based in Washington, onto the Internet and he couldn't be happier. Since he started his Web-based service two years ago, he has received 14,000 e-mails.

RetireeRobert · 01-31-2008, 12:57 AM

That is great for lots of patient questions. But how can the doc make remote diagnoses all the time? At some point it seems like the doc has got to see things "live and in living color".

Rich_in_Tampa · 01-31-2008, 07:14 AM

I imagine that license issues will arise shortly. I can't even give one of my own patients advice across state lines when they are travelling (at least officially). Of course if they don't tell me where they are, you would assume they're local...

travelover · 01-31-2008, 07:44 AM

I had a doc for a while at a local university affiliated clinic that would give advice via email. It was great and saved me a lot of time and expense. For simple stuff, I think it should be reimbursed and encouraged.

His replacement doesn't do the email thing and I've since drifted to a closer clinic that is more patient friendly.

I'd add that my insurance company has a 800 number or email chat with nurses that is free, though I have not used it. Seems like a good idea.

Rich_in_Tampa · 01-31-2008, 07:55 AM

I have toyed with the idea of a post-FIRE medical coaching web site, not too different from some of the semi-serious replies I occasionally give here: general information, what to ask your doctor, sound evidence, working through decisions, etc.

It would be fun, but concerns about liability and licensing are too great. Maybe you can get around it with waivers, consents, etc. but despite all that, it would take only one user who did poorly and claims it was because of something I advised, etc.

Then again, there are lots of medical columnists doing just that...

Doing it within the confines of a practice and restricting it to patients you know seems do-able, though -- really little different from a phone call.

FUEGO · 01-31-2008, 08:51 AM

I noticed through our health insurance website (aetna), some doctors can send/receive emails from patients. My docs don't use this yet, but they might someday soon.

sailor · 01-31-2008, 09:32 AM

I see it more and more.
You can send a message to any of our Kaiser doctors through Kaiser web page.
Also our pediatrician responds to emails (which we frequently use instead of follow-up calls).

CyclingInvestor · 01-31-2008, 10:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RetireeRobert

That is great for lots of patient questions. But how can the doc make remote diagnoses all the time? At some point it seems like the doc has got to see things "live and in living color".

This could lead to some funny incidents / positions with the scanner or webcam.

pfpelican · 01-31-2008, 10:34 AM

"Now make an incision...."

HFWR · 01-31-2008, 10:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CyclingInvestor

This could lead to some funny incidents / positions with the scanner or webcam.

Your x-ray came back, and we think we've found a problem...

01-31-2008, 12:57 AM	#2
RetireeRobert Full time employment: Posting here. Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Willamette Valley, Oregon Posts: 831	That is great for lots of patient questions. But how can the doc make remote diagnoses all the time? At some point it seems like the doc has got to see things "live and in living color". __________________ Dreams Worth Dreaming are Dreams Worth Planning For. I Spent a Career Planning for Early Retirement.

01-31-2008, 07:14 AM	#3
Rich_in_Tampa Moderator Emeritus Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Tampa Posts: 5,889	I imagine that license issues will arise shortly. I can't even give one of my own patients advice across state lines when they are travelling (at least officially). Of course if they don't tell me where they are, you would assume they're local... __________________ Rich Tampa, FL (10% retired) As if you didn't know..If the above message happens to contain medical content, it's NOT intended as advice, and may not be accurate, applicable or sufficient. Don't rely on it for any medical purpose whatsoever. Consult your own doctor for all medical advice.

01-31-2008, 07:44 AM	#4
travelover Thinks s/he gets paid by the post Join Date: Mar 2007 Posts: 1,009	I had a doc for a while at a local university affiliated clinic that would give advice via email. It was great and saved me a lot of time and expense. For simple stuff, I think it should be reimbursed and encouraged. His replacement doesn't do the email thing and I've since drifted to a closer clinic that is more patient friendly. I'd add that my insurance company has a 800 number or email chat with nurses that is free, though I have not used it. Seems like a good idea. __________________ Feral Engineer Last edited by travelover; 01-31-2008 at 09:03 AM.. Reason: Addition

01-31-2008, 07:55 AM	#5
Rich_in_Tampa Moderator Emeritus Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Tampa Posts: 5,889	I have toyed with the idea of a post-FIRE medical coaching web site, not too different from some of the semi-serious replies I occasionally give here: general information, what to ask your doctor, sound evidence, working through decisions, etc. It would be fun, but concerns about liability and licensing are too great. Maybe you can get around it with waivers, consents, etc. but despite all that, it would take only one user who did poorly and claims it was because of something I advised, etc. Then again, there are lots of medical columnists doing just that... Doing it within the confines of a practice and restricting it to patients you know seems do-able, though -- really little different from a phone call. __________________ Rich Tampa, FL (10% retired) As if you didn't know..If the above message happens to contain medical content, it's NOT intended as advice, and may not be accurate, applicable or sufficient. Don't rely on it for any medical purpose whatsoever. Consult your own doctor for all medical advice.

01-31-2008, 10:34 AM	#9
pfpelican Recycles dryer sheets Join Date: Jun 2006 Posts: 229	"Now make an incision...." __________________ Old Guys Rule

01-31-2008, 08:51 AM	#6
FUEGO Full time employment: Posting here. Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 689	I noticed through our health insurance website (aetna), some doctors can send/receive emails from patients. My docs don't use this yet, but they might someday soon.

01-31-2008, 09:32 AM	#7
sailor Recycles dryer sheets Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 366	I see it more and more. You can send a message to any of our Kaiser doctors through Kaiser web page. Also our pediatrician responds to emails (which we frequently use instead of follow-up calls).

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