I mean take a depressed patient who might be embarrassed to tell his/her doctor that he/she is suicidal or even to embarrassed to call the telenurse and tell him/her. Wouldn't it be easier for people who find it difficult to talk to their doctor or a telenurse if they could simply send an email?
2006-12-29 09:42:02 · 9 answers · asked by ace 3 in Health ➔ Other - Health
No. A licensed medical professional cannot prescribe treatment unless they have actually seen and examined the patient in person. There are Help Lines and Crisis Lines for people with emotional difficulties to call for help. They can refer her/him to a clinic or Dr. Even I, as a nurse, cannot get a Rx from any Dr. in the hospital by asking. They can lose their license if they prescribe without examining.
2006-12-29 09:50:40 · answer #1 · answered by RBRN 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I work at a clinic, so I can tell you from experience that a system like that would be overwhelmed by med requests, or complaints. Seldom if ever would it actually be used for something like that. And of course there are people out there who would send fake messages as a joke.
2006-12-29 17:47:49 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Any such system would have its abusers, but it could work. Our family doctor accepts e-mails, and he gets a beep on his blackberry when he gets an e-mail and he can check it. We also have a health hotline that is anonymous. We have used both systems and have found them helpful as my husband has cancer and we often need advice. People who really need and want help will seek it out and use what is available.
2006-12-29 17:51:30 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Actually there are suicide Hot Lines you can call.
However, in Florida, Blue Shield has started an E-mail program for their insureds so they can e-mail their doctors. They just started the program, and if it is successful, I am sure it will expand
2006-12-29 17:52:38 · answer #4 · answered by 1614 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
certain health plans actually have that feature. if you are in washington state, Group Health Cooperative health plan has that exact feature. not only can you e-mail your doctor, but you can also refill prescriptions, check your lab tests, and check appointments online.
2006-12-29 17:53:38 · answer #5 · answered by belfus 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I will suggest the #1 reason...liability and fear of malpractice lawsuits. Also, there are probably confidentiality considerations and HIPPA violations to be concerned about.
2006-12-29 18:51:37 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Then they'd have to hire someone just to man the computer -- and people who should come in would just e-mail.
2006-12-29 17:50:10 · answer #7 · answered by tsopolly 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Good idea.
2006-12-29 17:44:43 · answer #8 · answered by BarbieQ 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
bc it probably time-consuming
2006-12-29 17:47:58 · answer #9 · answered by headstr8 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋