Getting social: the blurred lines of online friendship with patients

As social media continues to expand its reach well beyond the young and connected, it raises important new concerns for physicians, especially those practicing concierge medicine. While strengthening the physician-patient relationship is one of the most treasured hallmarks of concierge care, what role does friending, following, tweeting and linking play in accomplishing that? Is it informative and effective, superficial and risky, or all of the above?  There are no simple answers, as official position statements vary by medical association, but it’s an issue worth pondering.  We present some of the latest thinking on the subject:

Sources:

Wall Street Journal
CNN
Medicalxpress