E-mail medicine: dawn of a new era in physician-patient communication.

Important issues are reviewed and minimal standards for physician-patient communication via electronic mail are recommended.

Abstract

Computer-based electronic mail has opened up new opportunities for physician-patient communication. In many ways, electronic communication is more convenient than either the telephone or the postal service. However, it is important to recognize the limitations of electronic mail. In this article, we review important issues and recommend minimal standards for physician-patient communication via electronic mail.