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@joyces

I find it most frustrating that e-mail cannot be used for any medical things...setting appts. (although a few places have a way to do this via their website now), asking questions when looking for specific help (like vestibular rehab specialists), lack of being able to get clearly understandable info between appts. It's especially frustrating when dealing with hearing centers. The apparent reason behind all of this is that, since e-mail really isn't private but can be viewed by hackers, medical people fear lawsuits. Somewhere, decades ago, we somehow decided to follow the wrong path as far as healthcare is concerned and it became the norm to threaten to sue when something doesn't go the way we had hoped. Very sad.

On the plus side, e-mail is a true godsend! I can't begin to list how many times receiving a detailed e-mail has undoubtedly saved me from appearing at the wrong time, confusing a detail or instruction about a job I'm working on, etc. It also allows me to "converse" with family and friends without the difficulties and confusion of both phone and in-person conversations.

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Replies to "I find it most frustrating that e-mail cannot be used for any medical things...setting appts. (although..."

Most medical centers now have Patient Portals, what are what I think you are referring to as their websites.
I communicate with all my doctors and my audiologist through the portal. I make appointments, see test results, can address specific questions to the doctor or staff.
It’s a question of patient privacy. Regular email is not secure. Email through the portal is. It’s a huge benefit to patients in general — all the information is there for you to refer to at any time - and it’s an even bigger benefit to people with hearing loss.
It does take a little work to figure it all out - passwords and so on - but once you get it set up it’s very easy.