E-Mail for Better Health

E-mail has become a part of everyday life, but it is still relatively rare as means of communication between doctors and patients. Many physicians still end up playing phone tag when patients call with questions. A new study from the Health Maintenance Organization Kaiser Permanente suggests that secure email between physicians and patients can improve communication and health outcomes. Patients in this system can access their integrated electronic health record and get lab tests results, pharmacy records, prescription refill information and self-care instructions. They also have the opportunity to exchange e-mail with their health care providers.
In this study more than 500,000 patient-physician e-mail threads were analyzed. The scientists found that patients with diabetes were more likely to achieve desirable blood sugar and blood pressure results if they communicated with their doctors by e-mail. They were also more likely to get appropriate screening tests. The researchers concluded that doctor-patient e-mail may help make care more effective.

[Health Affairs, July, 2010]