Electronic medical record systems can foster consultations between physicians also, Dr. O’Keeffe said. One physician can e-mail or message another within the same system privately and forward a copy of a patient’s chart. "It’s not social media per se, but it’s social. It’s a closed loop through the electronic medical record system and a good way to get an opinion from a colleague on a specific patient." She added: "It can be very helpful when you’re just not sure." As an added benefit, the consultation becomes part of the permanent medical record.
No matter which platform or site you choose for online communication, it is important not to misrepresent yourself. "Because of the anonymity of all of these platforms, it can be easy to overstate your position or come on too strong," she said. "I’ve seen some people banter more on social media than when you see them in person – or the opposite can happen, and they are very outspoken in person and very meek online."
Dr. O’Keeffe and Dr. Vartabedian said they had no relevant financial disclosures.