Article
Patient Portal Technology
Patients are becoming more tech-savvy today, preferring self service rather than trying to play telephone- or clipboard-tag with the office. They benefit from the ability to communicate electronically, from any computer, on simple requests to a doctor's practice.
Patients are becoming more tech-savvy today, preferring self service rather than trying to play telephone- or clipboard-tag with the office. They benefit from the ability to communicate electronically, from any computer, on simple requests to a doctor’s practice. The practice benefits from better efficiencies within the office, not being tied to telephones all day, and a more efficient task process. It is through clinical leadership (nursing) that benefits from a more streamlined process for medical record requests, refills, and demographic changes.
Experts predict patient portals will become more prevalent as patient demand for health information increases and more hospitals make the transition to EHRs. Physicians are in favor of these portals because they educate patients while increasing efficiencies. Studies have shown that even in geriatric patients, adoption is in the 80% range, as the family can help with access, and prefer having a complete record for loved ones, vs. incomplete information
Patient portal technology can be suited to fit each facility’s needs, and can be created in house, or through an outside vendor. Patients must register to use, and must sign on with a secure password. Portals are set up under the HIPAA standards required in the practice. Portals are a better way to communicate, as they are available 24/7/365, when varying schedules permit. Many accept online billing and payments, scheduling, demographics, medical requests, e-questions and electronic refill requests.
Linda Stotsky, Principal Consultant
Telephone: 615.584.7866
