Many employers out there have heard of Web 2.0 -- but have they heard of Health 2.0? This new trend involves online integration between doctors and patients, as well as use of online portals like WebMD to supplement doctor-provided information.

As part of the HealthMedia conference, held in San Diego, Calif. in early March, Scribe Media interviewed two doctors and three patients about their use of these new technologies.

Employee Benefit News got a peek at the video interviews. As a benefits professional, you'll get an inside glimpse into the real concerns of doctors and patients as well as learn how cutting-edge technologies can increase employee engagement and ultimately stimulate healthful behaviors.

Dr. Jay Parkinson, a doctor in Brooklyn, communicates with patients via instant messaging, e-mail and paperless health records. "I'm developing technology to allow patients and doctors to communicate," he says

"We need to streamline the process toward innovative health information. The process is actually more like old-fashioned medicine, where doctors are known in the community and make house calls, than the corporate feel of today."

Dr. Jordan Schlain of San Francisco's On Call Medical Group believes new communication technology is redefining the doctor-patient relationship. He started his practice based on what he observed after making house calls.

Doctors carry miniature computers that are accessible remotely, so that they can update medical records during house visits, as well as a full medical bag with that covers "90% of common problems," Dr. Schlain says.

His team uses a combination of BlackBerry messaging, unique shorthand and traditional methods to reach patients and other staffers.

"Removing the telephone for non-urgent things is a huge efficiency quotient. All patients have 24/7 e-mail access and real-time telephonic assistants. We try to make it easy for the patient," he states.

Other videos in the series include Shiri Sandler, who uses the Web site Relief in Site to manage her complex disease, Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (chronic pain disorder). Alison Krueger, who has multiple sclerosis, talks about her community on Second Life for the disabled. Last, Matthew Zachary, founder of I2Y (I'm too Young for This) discusses the online community for young people with cancer and his mission to educate providers about pre-cancer screenings. See the videos here.