Scherger, who communicates with patients daily via e-mail, outlined three enabling factors to move family practice into the new world of health care communication. Electronic communication and access. Physicians should invest in the proper equipment not only because it will make patient communication easier but also because it will save physicians time in the future. That's time I've invested in my patients, and I've saved some of them from having to arrange an office visit. Moving to an electronic care management style might require a prepaid contract with your patient similar to how patients pay for Internet service, but it would free both physicians and patients from being locked into office visits.
Electronic communication can help FPs regain control over how they take care of patients.
We need to be given the latitude and flexibility to style our practices in the way that works best for us and our patients. FP Report is published by the AAFP News Department .