eCare and eHealth: the Internet meets health care

Increasing use of the Internet by consumers in general is being reflected in greater reliance on this medium for health information and health care. Patients are consulting the Web for medical information and resources from databases that are generally accessible to the public as well as physicians. In addition, interactions between physicians and patients via e-mail present an opportunity for greater efficiency in medical practice. Though physicians have been somewhat reluctant to embrace this modality, it offers significant opportunities for enhancing patient care without undue liability. Issues of confidentiality and security of medical information are also discussed.