Boston鈥擣ollow-up virtual physician 鈥渧isits鈥� conducted through a web-based portal have moved into mainstream use at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) in Boston. This efficient mode of care delivery is receiving rave reviews from clinicians and patients, according to a presentation at the Medical Informatics World Conference held here in April.

An asynchronous (not conducted in real time) virtual visit or templated web visit involves a web portal and a condition-specific questionnaire. For chronic conditions, it is designed to replace an in-person, follow-up visit with a clinician.

Ronald Dixon, MD, medical director at MGH Beacon Hill Associates and director of MGH Virtual Visits, believes that 3 of 5 face-to-face appointments should be virtual. According to Dixon, visits most suited for the virtual approach are those for chronic diseases, such as diabetes, depression, and arthritis, as well as initial visits for an acute, one-time illness.