How Healthcare Professionals Use Social Networks From Facebook to Groupons

Ethical concerns arise when patients want to connect with doctors on social networks. GW's Katherine Chretien, M.D., associate professor of Medicine, worries that any communication with a patient on a public platform like Facebook could pose a violation of HIPPA. GW's Matthew Mintz, M.D., associate professor of Medicine, disagrees, saying that social networking tools can help overcome barriers to patient-doctor communication can be overcome and lead to valuable interaction.