Patient portals are websites or apps that are connected to an EHR electronic health record that patients can log into to view their health data.
Depending on the software provider, a patient portal may show patients the following information:
Diagnosis
Lab results
Doctor’s notes
Health history
Vaccination history
The level of detail also varies widely. Some portals only allow patients to view demographic and medical history data, while others offer real-time lab results. The functionality of a portal also varies depending on the vendor and software configuration. On some patient portals, patients can send direct messages to their doctors, schedule appointments, pay their bills, request prescriptions, and update their personal information.
Advantages of patient portals
Time saving
The goal of a patient portal is to make it easier for patients to manage some aspects of their health online instead of over the cell phone leads phone or in person or by email. That constitutes a significant time saving. For example, asking a doctor a question online saves time for both parties. It also helps patients and doctors avoid unnecessary visits for issues that can be addressed remotely.
More information
The patient can include their own health data in a much more extensive and descriptive way than they would in a medical consultation. Patient-generated health data can include everything from data collected by fitness apps to family history and recent symptoms.
This information not only provides healthcare providers with valuable information about clinical problems, but is a great way to get patients involved in their own healthcare.
Also that patients with access to medical
More patient engagement
Research shows that patients who can see their own health data are better prepared to interact effectively with providers about their care. Notes actually have higher rates of medication adherence because they are more involved and informed about their treatment plans.
On the other hand, secure messaging functionality particularly facilitates closer relationships between patients and providers.
Patient portals are already a trend in the BO Leads most advanced countries. In the United States, for example, 92% of hospitals had adopted the patient portal in 2016.