(Axios) – Charging patients to message their doctors through portals could reduce health worker burnout and modestly lightened clinicians’ workloads at the Mayo Clinic, researchers said.

Why it matters: More health systems have been charging to answer patient queries since the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services allowed providers to bill for virtual check-ins that involve decision-making and at least five minutes of clinicians’ time. But the practice was found to discourage some patients from messaging, which could widen health inequities. (Read More)