Contacting health professionals, emails
 

Hello all

I would like to get some opinions about how people feel regarding contacting their health professionals via email, if they offer that service.

Two doctors that I have known have given me their email addresses and I have found that to be very helpful. I know of other people who contact their doctors via email too. I am debating whether or not to ask a specialist for his email, in case I need to contact him in betweeen appointments, especially because I live an hour away from his office. It would be easier for me to get medical information from him about my condition instead of rushing into a possible unneeded appointment. I was doing a web search for some information on my doctor and I found that he lists his email for his students on the university webpage. I don't want to use that email without his permission. I am wondering what he would think if I were to ask him whether or not he communicates with patients via email? I am not sure if I should mention that I saw his email address listed on the site for students?

Thanks.