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Anonymous

As a doctor who struggles to communicate information to patients, I am looking at this type of system right now. In the past I practiced in a more urban area where I communicated with most patients via e-mail. Now I practice in a rural area with many older patients who do not have internet access. I absolutely hate playing phone tag, and don't like calling patients with essentially normal results because of the time required, the frustration of playing phone tag, and, as one post mentions, the fact that a "quick" phone call can turn into a 10-minute clinical discussion about a medical problem. So right now I spend about five hours a week writing notes and filling out forms which are mailed to patients with their results. I come into the office on the weekend to do this. The mail takes another 4-5 days, so patients get results in 1-2 weeks. My partner doesn't call or write anyone - all of his patients are scheduled for a follow-up visit whenever he orders lab or x-ray. I prefer not making patients pay for a visit just to tell them their labs were fine. But I also refuse the habit of "we will only call you if there is a problem" because that assumes that no one ever misses something. So I am looking at one of these telephone systems as being a really good compromise. It will be much faster for me AND my patients to get them the information they need. I think it is a win-win situation. If they really want to hear from me in person, they are most welcome to schedule a visit. I am trying to offer the best care possible for my patients.

June 15, 2012 - 4:34pm

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