What about technologies like OpenNotes that empower patients? How will this affect the doctor-patient relationship? What are we to do about patients who make bad choices, opt for high copays to save money up front, or choose Minute Clinics for all their health care needs? Will patients be harmed by such openness? The jury is still out.
For those who like clear black-and-white answers, Dr. Wachter’s book will seem maddeningly gray. Yet as a practicing clinician, I found it enlightening and thought provoking, and hope you will, too. I also hope it prompts you to step away from the computer, walk next door to your colleague’s office, and start a real-life conversation.
Dr. Benabio is a partner physician in the department of dermatology of the Southern California Permanente Group in San Diego, and a volunteer clinical assistant professor at the University of California, San Diego. Dr. Benabio is @dermdoc on Twitter.