I try to have minimal human contact with people who send me bills.

Recently, I received an e-mail from my dentist’s office notifying me that I could now log on to their Web site and check appointment dates and financial information, receive email/text appointment reminders and sign up for their e-newsletter.

Oh, happy day!

I checked out their web site, and was impressed by the online services they offer to patients. Even though the homepage is cluttered, it's one of the most helpful, patient-friendly medical sites I've seen. Is it a coincidence that their office is one of the most popular where I live?

Note to self: Tell our Medical Staff.

I am convinced that the most successful healthcare organizations—from hospitals down to individual physician practices—are also the most “wired” and user-friendly. The more transparent and helpful you can be for the patients (rather than what’s easiest for the doctor and office staff), the more successful you’ll be.

To boot: Each month, they offer all patients who use their online portal the chance to win an iPod.

My teeth have never been healthier.