E-mail is also ideal for following up on acute problems that take time to heal. If a patient with plantar fasciitis is given detailed instructions to resolve the problem after an office visit, a periodic e-mail exchange can help monitor progress and provide reinforcement. Acute positional vertigo generally takes six weeks to six months to resolve. E-mail can be used to gauge improvement after an office visit and can help detect worsening, which may be an early warning that something more serious is going on. Electronic communication can provide continuous online management of chronic disease, replacing the need for episodic visits.
Obese patients can e-mail their weight and other data weekly, and can be coached online.
Lipid disorder patients can receive periodic lab instructions and get feedback on their progress. Hypertension, diabetes, and asthma can all be monitored more closely, with less frequent visits, through electronic sharing of information. Patients with disabling chronic conditions, such as lupus, can communicate with their doctor and their consultant without the trouble of regular visits. E-mail has also improved my relationships with consultants. I can send them messages introducing patients and providing important details about their conditions.