Few U.S. doctors answer e-mails from patients

Fewer than a third of U.S. doctors use e-mail to communicate with patients, according to recent physician surveys. There are a variety of reasons why they do not: Some worry it will increase their workload, and most physicians don't get reimbursed for it by insurance companies. Others fear hackers could compromise patient privacy. Despite doctor reluctance, many patients would like to use e-mail for routine matters such as asking for a prescription refill, getting lab results or scheduling a visit.