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In Camilla's post on C-Span's segment with Dr. Tom Ferguson, author of a book called "Health Online" she reports " he stated there are quite a number of *younger* docs who want to use email with their patients, and a LARGE number of patients who would welcome this. He also is involved in a group studying ways to implement doc/patient e-mail, define areas where it can be used safely, etc." Last fall I asked my PD doc if I could E-Mail him between visits and he was very agreeable. THEN, his nurse came in the room after he had left the room, and made it very clear that SHE was the GATEKEEPER of the doctor's E-MAIL and SHE didn't have time to deal with increased E-Mail from patients, and couldn't promise when any such message would reach the doctor. Neither the doctor or the nurse provided their E-Mail Address. Of course, the nurse(s) also are GATEKEEPERS of any phone calls. I hardly ever phone between visits, having found this medium unsatisfactory. I think E-Mail would enable the PATIENT to carefully express his/her concern, and likewise the HEALTH PROVIDER to respond in a more considered and complete matter. Barbara Blake-Krebs [log in to unmask]