When we send things via the portal (labs or procedure reports) we tack on a template message that says something like "If you have brief questions at this point, feel free to hit the reply button. There is a modest fee associated with this ($25) so that some issues that perviously required an office visit can be handled more conveniently. Please be aware that your insurance will probably not pay for this service; nevertheless, it may be more convenient for you. Not all issues can be properly addressed in this manner, and if this is the case you will be asked to make an appointment."
We don't get many takers once the patients know it won't be a freebie, but a few do, and it saves time for us all. Plus, our patients love getting copies of their labs and procedure notes.
