Abstract
This article examines the impact of e-mail on the physician-patient relationship, and how contract law can resolve the uncertainties incumbent in this nascent form of communication. Significantly, courts have yet to indicate when the physician-patient relationship begins by e-mail, or to what extent e-mail affects the duties of the relationship. Instead of waiting for judicial guidance, physicians and patients can employ specialized contracts to clarify the role that e-mail plays in their relationship. As a result, more physicians and patients will regard e-mail correspondence as a valuable means of communication, and a tool for improving the quality of health care as well.
Publication Date
1-1-2003
Journal Title
Yale Journal of Law and Technology
Document Type
Article
Recommended Citation
Michael McCann, "Message Deleted? Resolving Physician-Patient E-mail through Contract Law," 5 YALE J. L. & TECH. 102 (2003).
Included in
Communication Commons, Contracts Commons, Health Law and Policy Commons, Health Services Administration Commons, Insurance Commons, Privacy Law Commons
Additional Information
Abstract available at http://ssrn.com/abstract=604323