Doctor-Patient Communication in Today's Digital Age
http://thedianerehmshow.org/shows/2012-01-24/doctor-patient-communication-todays-digital-age
Many Americans send email and text messages more often than they speak on the phone. Whether electronics offer the best way for doctors to communicate with their patients is in debate. Some doctors are concerned about privacy and liability issues and a loss of face-time with their patients. But doctors who favor emailing say it's a more efficient means of communication, helps build better relationships and encourages patients to take more control of their health. One recent study concluded that patients with diabetes or hypertension who communicate with their doctors via email have better outcomes. Diane and her guest discuss doctor-patient interactions in the digital age.
Guests
Dr. Joseph Kvedar
founder and director, the Center for Connected Health, Boston; associate professor, Harvard Medical School.
Dr. Sam Bierstock
founder and president, Champions in Healthcare.
Dr. Steven Schwartz
associate dean of clinical informatics and a family medicine physician, Georgetown University School of Medicine.
Deven McGraw
director, the Health Privacy Project, Center for Democracy & Technology.
Comments
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I am listening to your show while at work here in Iowa.
I would like to comment on the University of Iowa Hospital’s new MyChart software that allows a patient to go online and review all of the doctor’s comments, medical treatments, etc. A patient can even contact the doctor via MyChart.
As a patient, I enjoy this digital way of contacting my doctor and keeping abreast of my medical information.
Thank You,
Rick
As a mother of two, I have used email to ask very brief questions or concerns..
It has in most cases saved a trip to the doctor, and time off of work to take my sons to the doctor.
If for some reason I think it is a more serious issue, like asthma, or severly high fevers I do call for an appointment.
Usually my doctor does have us come in with the more asthma issues.
I think it is a great way to communicate with our doctors.. I actually feel more closer to them especially if we are traveling, this has become very useful
I love your program. However, I thought today's issue could have been more clearly stated. If clear to some, it became confused as discussion proceeded.
There is a difference between email written communications and "electronic means." The latter is a universe and includes telehealth. Telehealth includes, but is not limited to: electronic store & forward and live interactive video. There are HIPAA compliant internet platforms. It also includes mhealth/mobile health (Web apps). The use of mhealth is rapidly growing in the U.S. and the world. FDA approved apps include one which transmits clear ultrasound images to a provider's smart phone.
Text messages are used widely including by CDC, public health departments, and the Text4baby program. Though noted, electronic health records were not discussed sufficiently as to avoid confusion.
Healthcare social media (hcsm) was relevant to the discussion as it evolved. The Mayo Clinic Center for Healthcare Social Media is one of many resources for guidance. The mHealth Alliance and American Telemedicine Association are examples of entities committed to improving access via digital health.
Many studies support the efficacy of telehealth, including telemental health. The latter is widely used by the VA and is increasingly being used generally in underserved/rural areas.
Many states now have laws requiring private insurers to reimburse for telehealth/telemedicine services if the insurer covers the service when provided in-person/face to face. Many federal/private entities concerned with quality/access to healthcare support digital health.There are over 10 federally funded regional telehealth resource centers whose mission is to promote access to healthcare in underserved/rural areas. Digital health is used to monitor & keep pts. at home.
If this program intent was to focus on written email communications there is guidance available. The Center for Telehealth and e-Health Law is one example.
Submitted respectfully.
I work for my husband, who is a family physician. As you know, email in not secure. What we DO have is a Patient Portal which resides on a secure site within our website, specifically for patients to view their labs, radiology reports, make appointments online, pay bills, and communicate with the staff. Virtual visits are not reimbursable by insurance companies and until they are, someone needs to pay for the service that doctors provide. We are not rich, in fact, we are barely making payroll. Our patients can view their lab reports and radiology reports on the portal, however if they wish to discuss them further, they are offered an appointment or a telephone consult, for which they will be charged. I think this is fair.
I am able to contact the doctor, or the office staff, at my Primary Care Physician's office and at my children's pediatrician's office, each through a separate portal system. Recently, I asked my doc to change a med for me and she asked me to come in for an appointment. Today, I asked the pediatrician's staff to send me some medical records, and I got a phone call from them about 15 minutes later, asking a question to clarify.
I do NOT expect to get test results via the web or portal unless they are routine and no problem is detected. When my mammogram was "off", I was told there was a problem with the machine and I needed to come back and redo the test. And it was fine.
As a patient, I am concerned that insurance companies need to "catch up" to the technology. Until they do, many doctor's offices will continue to insist that patients be seen in the office when a quick portal exchange could clarify a question about medication or side effects, etc.
Diagnostic testing, for those who live within a reasonable distance from their doctor, should definitely still be handled 1:1. Use of Skype or the like should be reserved for those without access due to distance or other complications.
I have been a worker specializing in communication with a nursing background in a primary care office in the recent past and am also a patient with a chronic condition. I found the assertion that doctors should absorb the cost of e-time short-sighted and professionally disrespectful. Ask your friendly plumber to donate that much time out of every work day and see what they have to say. Medical providers have sophisticated skills so that they can observe the patient in person and make a judgement.
Instead, focus upon providing such access forpatients as direct access to lab reports once the doctor has signed them off so that they don't e-mail asking about those.
The capacities of e-mail are so diverse. What should my doctor do in terms of time and response when I have the ability to forward to him 3 different long and complicated research studies to think about for my care?
New to texas
I am bc internal medicine sun in infectious. Disease just wanted to get to know the area and meet new physician to hang out with
This is a way to get around that sir call ypur doctors office ask t
To set up a phone chat with your health care provider in most cases the doc you can set a meeting to speck with you
This is a way to get around that sir call ypur doctors office ask t
To set up a phone chat with your health care provider in most cases the doc you can set a meeting to speck with you