Should you friend your doctor on Facebook? Should you follow them on Twitter? With all the buzz in the media right now this seems like a perfectly acceptable question.

First you have to know that if you friend your doctor it is not a replacement for an in office visit. Also know that your doctor is not up late at night playing Mafia Wars or taking a getting to know you quiz on a professional account.

Here is what you should expect to see from your doctor on Facebook and Twitter.

* General office information – hours and contact details
* Last minute office hours changes via Twitter
* General guidelines on living a healthy life
* Latest information on – Flu, H1N1, Chicken Pox etc.

Here’s what you shouldn’t expect to see from your doctor on Facebook or Twitter.

* Access to your medical records (protected via HIPPA)
* Someone else’s medical records (also protected via HIPPA)
* Anything that would replace a office visit

Remember folks this is all new here. Don’t expect your doctor to be on Facebook or Twitter. But if they are realize it is most likely a professional profile hence you should act professionally as well.

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