Telemedicine through website doctor services has become much more available over the past decade. There are about 30 million US users of these services and about 30% of MDs are now participating in electronic communication with their patients. The demand is rapidly growing. Ease of access, convenience and lower cost are all factors driving this kind of service.
The problem, of course, is how well does your virtual doctor know about you and your health after an Internet conversation? Can you trust the advice that is offered? What about the legal and ethical aspects involved with giving advice without an examination? While these services can be valuable we're losing the personal aspect of the doctor/patient relationship. Medicine is gradually becoming more of a business than a heart-felt service.
