Several practices have also tackled the controversial topic of sending e-mail to patients. But the anticipated blizzards never arrived. Patients signed agreements outlining their obligation to use e-mail responsibly, and most have limited messages to important medical matters. Physicians also quickly realized that answering e-mail can often be assigned to a physician assistant, Mr. Decker added, or deferred until the end of the day. To address privacy concerns, some practices signed agreements stating that they would not e-mail private medical information to patients.
Group visits Another concept that has received attention is group visits.
Patients with similar health problems are brought together as a group with physicians who treat them. Physicians can treat similar patients simultaneously rather than seeing each individually for similar treatment. Participants say that so far, patients seem to like the idea. Chronically ill patients appreciate the support of others suffering from similar conditions, and group visits can offer more education and interaction with multiple caregivers in a shorter time than individual appointments. Mr. Decker said that ThedaCare recently organized group visits for 25 diabetics whose disease is not well controlled.