Patient internet use

[Guest guest]

Hi all:

I first want to thank everyone for all I've learned by reading your

posts on this listserve.

My practice is on schedule to open June 1st, will be resigning

within 10 days, my flyers and direct mail cards are getting ready,

and contain the basic principles followed by this group. I am a

little nervous about my ability to be available 24/7--but will

definitely make it work most of the time--will have to figure out

how to get some backup when I am at some events with my 6yr old

daughter.

Another minor concern--At my current SHOVE model practice, they

tried to introduce a patient portal for e-mailing and requesting

refills/referrals. Over a one year period, we could only convince

3-4 patients to use it--inspite of their complaints about not being

able to get through the phone lines, not getting prompt responses,

etc.

I think quite a few of these patients will be following me.

Of the people using secure e-mail and appointmentquest--how many of

your patients actually use it? (of course some older folks and those

without computers cannot). Have you found an incentive that works? I

am thinking of putting a computer in the waiting room and walking

the patients through the process if its the first time for them. I

hope once they understand my new practice philosophy they will see

it is beneficial for them.

--Padma