Health Care Trends With a Social Media Twist

You've Got Mail, Doc

A great article in today’s Los Angeles Times examines the new “e-visit” - an online physician consultation. Many patients have already had e-mail communication with their doctors, but the e-visit may grow in popularity for non-emergency conditions or to answer questions about minor issues.

Now that the patients and doctors are on board, it’s time for the insurers to sign up. According to the article, as of last year, less than 5% of doctors communicating online with patients were being paid for this work. Some of the big names like Aetna, Wellpoint and Humana are starting to reimburse doctors for the e-visits, lending their support to the movement.

One of our favorite physicians at the forefront of the convergence of health care and the internet/social media, Dr. Kevin Pho of Kevinmd.com, adds to the piece saying that “health insurers are starting to realize that compensating for e-visits can not only be a cost-saving measure but can also help with patient care.”

Are you ready for your e-visit?