There is one central concept that I want to discuss from this that has implications for all doctors. The internet, par excellence, enables disintermediation. This rather unpleasant jargon, simply means that existing intermediaries, whose main function is informational, have new competition on their hands. A example that is neutral for this audience might be the estate agents. Healthcare transactions are not so simple.
Many people value having a personal relationship with their doctor.
While the internet may not change secondary care all that much the implications for primary care are profound. Much of primary care involves dealing, not so much with disease, but illness, and the human desire to attach a meaning to that illness. It is an understatement to say that there is considerable pent up demand for GP time. The internet is going to change this a lot. As this story illustrates, the potential of the internet to do harm as well as good is obviously marked.