I think it's true what you are saying... but i think it's also because of that... surgeons do not want to leave any traces
no answer to mail, so mail is not read ... no evidence
You know what I mean... World is not perfect. Everyone wants to protect himself...
It's a difference when your surgeon see you first time and when well known patient needs some basic info to reduce his anxiety about an issue while he is waiting for proper consultation face to face
UPDATE: I have to add my surgeon used to answer a lot via mail before surgery..so you know... how it looks