Table 1 Results of email usage and preferences survey of 390 patients at the Duke Family Medicine Center

Do you have an e-mail address? (if no, please stop now and hand in form at front desk)

Yes = 266 (68)

   Total respondents for remaining questions:

266 (100%)

Do you check your e-mail at least weekly?

Yes = 247 (93)

Does your e-mail address change (more/less) often than your home address?

Less often = 173 (65)

Does your e-mail address change (more/less) often than your phone number?

Less often = 181 (68)

Would you be interested in using e-mail to communicate with Duke Family Medicine personnel?

Yes = 212 (80)

Would you be willing to pay a small annual fee to have e-mail access to your doctor for health care advice?

Yes = 111 (42)

Would you say the total yearly income of your household is:

   less than or equal to $15,000

12 (5)

   $15,001–$30,000

61 (23)

   $30,001–$45,000

53 (20)

   >$45,000

109 (41)

   don't know

13 (5)

   refused

18 (6)

What is your age group?

   18–45

147 (55)

   46–65

7 (3)

   65+

97 (36)

   refused

15 (6)