Personally, I believe the charge should be the same whether it's online or not. Using E&M coding, we have the history, ROS, PMH, and medical decision-making aspects available for this coding. Only the physical exam is not available. If the patient says, "I'm covered with blisters", that would have to be part of the history since you cannot see them (unless you invoke imaging into your email medical care).
Since when should bettering your service--convenience for patient not having to come in or wait for an opening--mean reduced compensation? Presumably the quality of care is not impaired. The liability for sure has not decreased. There is no reason to charge any less than a face to face consult.
