The Internet: a new instrument in a virtual "doctor's bag"

The Internet is a valuable professional tool, and savvy physicians should understand its strengths and weaknesses. This worldwide network of networks allows doctors to communicate using any of several common Internet tools-electronic mail, mailing lists, newsgroups, telnet, file transfer protocol, gopher, and the World Wide Web. Many sites on the World Wide Web are expressly designed for physicians, although users must be careful to evaluate information for accuracy and currency. In Connecticut, physicians can use CHIME-Net, which provides access to the Internet and easy exchange of financial and patient data. Physicians ready to plunge into the Internet should consult their hospital library or information services department for more information.