When the question fits your prepared answer, you can simply copy the text from your word processing program and paste it into your e-mail message. Some large organizations have methods of handling patient questions so individual physicians aren't targeted for the answers. For example, in lieu of direct e-mail, Kaiser Permanente supports online discussions that are moderated by clinicians and other healthcare professionals. Avoiding spam As you know, your time is your most valuable asset. It takes time just to scroll through lists of e-mail and delete messages that are obviously junk.
Filters vary in their degree of complexity.
If you use AOL, for example, you can set the integrated spam filter to various levels of protection. You can also control spam by using different aliases in addition to your main screen name. You might want to use one screen name to receive e-mails from patients and another name for friends and relatives. Give friends a code word to put in the subject field so you don't inadvertently delete an important message. I usually follow my subject words with my full name, just in case.