The convenience of reaching your doctor through a quick email might come with a hidden price tag. A growing number of healthcare providers are starting to charge patients for electronic message consultations. This shift raises concerns about accessibility and communication for patients, particularly those with complex medical needs.
The use of patient portals and secure messaging has surged in recent years. Patients appreciate the ease of contacting their doctors electronically, skipping the hassle of phone calls and appointment wait times. However, this increased volume of communication has placed a new burden on doctors. Responding to a steady stream of emails can consume significant time during their busy schedules.
In 2021, the average cost of an email consultation was around $39, split between insurance and patient copay. This can be surprising for some patients who expect email communication to be a free alternative to office visits. Dr. Lauren Oshman, a family physician, acknowledges initial patient resistance to email billing. However, she argues that for complex issues requiring medical decision-making, emails can be a valuable tool that saves time and resources for both patients and doctors.
Federal guidelines set the framework for email billing in healthcare. Messages requiring at least five minutes of a doctor's time over seven days and involving medical decisions can be billed. Administrative matters like scheduling appointments are typically excluded. Follow-up emails explaining lab results wouldn't incur charges either.
While Medicare generally covers the full cost of these consultations, patients with private insurance might face copay charges depending on their plan structure. This can be particularly concerning for patients with chronic conditions who rely heavily on email communication for ongoing health management.
Jennifer Falandys, a patient with complex medical needs, frequently relies on email communication with her doctors. The potential for billing adds a layer of stress to navigating her healthcare. This sentiment is echoed by many patients who worry about the financial implications of reaching out to their doctors electronically.
Dr. Crystal Wong, a family physician, highlights the growing volume of patient emails and the time dedicated to responding. She stresses the need to acknowledge this workload and ensure doctors are compensated for their time dedicated to electronic consultations.
The rise of email billing underscores the need for a balanced approach to patient-doctor communication. While email offers convenience, it shouldn't replace the importance of in-person visits for crucial medical concerns.
It's also important to ensure clear communication with patients about billing practices. Healthcare providers should be transparent in informing patients which emails will be billed and for what amount.
Ultimately, the goal should be to facilitate accessible and affordable communication for patients while ensuring doctors are fairly compensated for their time and expertise.
