How do patients use email to communicate with their doctor?

To evaluate unsolicited email sent from patients to a general obstetrician-gynecologist.

A retrospective review was performed of 60 unsolicited emails sent to an obstetrician-gynecologist. Time sent, content, and physician response were evaluated.

Most emails were sent during office hours. Fifty-four percent of the emails had content related to gynecologic issues. Twenty-seven percent of the emails had content related to obstetrical concerns. Nineteen percent of emails were nonclinical in nature. Fourteen percent of emails required a follow-up phone call. Twenty-nine percent of emails necessitated an office visit.

Patients did not use email for emergency communication. The participating physician was pleased with the ease of responding to patients, especially while away from the office.