An important characteristic of successful healthcare and patient participation in clinical trials is strong communication between patients and their providers. Using e-clinical technology can be one mechanism for achieving this goal. We propose that the optimal implementation considers patient preference and ease of use, and that incorporating e-clinical technology can lead to increased patient compliance and ultimately improved clinical care. We surveyed 105 patients in the U.S. with diabetes; questions focused on mobile technology use, perceptions, and preferences. Patients were diverse in age, sex, ethnicity, and smartphone ownership. Approximately 67% of patients had a computer at home. More than 65% reported interest in using electronic methods to interact more with their physician between visits to help manage and treat their disease. Patients reported that they were more likely to speak with their physician (46%), report disease symptoms (38%), report on their quality of life (37%), and take medication (32%) if they had more knowledge about their disease. When asked about the most effective way of improving their health and managing their disease, 32% responded “increasing communication and interactions between my physician and me”; another 31% were interested in monitoring their disease, symptoms, and/or medications electronically so that their physician could see their health status in real time. Patients preferred electronic methods of managing their disease, including email and text message communications with their healthcare provider (73%), clinical visit scheduling via smartphone (76%), and medication reminders via smartphone (83%). Patients are interested in using electronic methods to increase communication with their physician and manage their disease. Possible opportunities for addressing this need include educational smartphone apps, medication reminders via text messaging, and clinic visit scheduling via smartphone. Providers should consider engaging patients with e-clinical technology to increase patient-physician communication and for the ultimate goal of improved healthcare.