It’s not everyday that you come across a registered doctor who only practices house visits. But what about a doctor who does house visits via instant messenger or webcam? Meet Jay Parkinson, MD.

“I am not your typical doctor,” his website reads, “I am easily accessible and mobile. I come to you when you need me with same or next day appointments.” As a certified doctor in New York state, Dr. Parkison is one of few (or maybe the only one?) who does e-visits. “Many problems can be handled virtually using video chatting, IM, digital photos, etc. It’s often more convenient, more efficient, and less time consuming for both us.” Sounded good to me - I had to try it.

I added Dr. Parkinson to my G-talk and contacted him via IM. He immediately responded, and we had a nice chat. Unfortunately he is only taking new patients in Brooklyn right now, but it was easy to do. We spend a lot of time talking to healthcare clients about the new model of participation, with the patient instead of the physician, at the center of the universe, and this e-doc clearly gets that. Time will tell if this approach becomes mainstream, but given how much of our other important communication is online, it is fine for me to talk to my doc that way too.