Patients want to e-mail their physicians, according to a study by Kaiser Permanente on how secure e-mail changes the way patients choose to access medical care.
The study, "Patient Access to Electronic Health Record with Secure Messaging: Impact on Primary Care Utilization" examines the use of secure e-mail between Kaiser Permanente members and physicians. The following are a few highlights:
Patients with online access to an electronic health record (EHR) are choosing to use secure e-mail, thereby decreasing the number of primary care office visits and telephone contact rates. This illustrates how web-based options are playing a larger role in doctor-patient interaction.
Patients who use secure e-mail were 7 to 10 percent less likely to schedule an office visit, and about 14 percent fewer phone contacts than those not using online services, according to the study.
The study demonstrates that e-mail is more convenient and efficient for both the physician and patient for non-urgent concerns.
"The access to personal health management tools, including secure email is helping our members get care how and when they want it," states Yvonne Zhou, Ph.D., one of the authors of the study. "It is valuable to have been able to document an evolving trend that shows consumers are choosing to replace office visits and phone calls with electronic communication with their doctors."
More than 1.4 million Kaiser Permanente members are registered to use the secure online services on http://www.kp.org. Since launching secure e-mail services through the personal health record available on http://www.kp.org , more than 2.7 million e-mail messages have been sent to providers.
"E-mail provides a convenient and easy way for my patients to contact me, which is helping me to better meet their needs," states Dr. David E. Schmidt, a Kaiser Permanente pediatrician in Portland, Ore. "By not having to make an appointment, take time from work and come in each and every time they have a question, there is less of a communication barrier between us."
Address: Kaiser Permanente, One Kaiser Plaza, Oakland, CA 94612; (510) 271-2377, http://www.kaiserpermanente.org.
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Executive Report on Physician Organizations, September 2007
The Doctor Is Online: Moving Toward Physician-Patient e-Visits
Citing their ease of use, efficiency and psychological value, some healthcare payors now reimburse for physician-patient e-visits for non-urgent health issues. In early trials, both patients and providers are eagerly embracing this e-health practice. The Doctor Is Online: Moving Toward Physician-Patient e-Visits, a special report produced by the Healthcare Intelligence Network (HIN), clarifies the technology supporting e-visits and the steps necessary to implement an effective e-visit program.
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