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The Patient Portal—Help or Hindrance?
We’ve always talked about quick access to all the information we want, when we want it. Gone are the days of ‘snail’ mail and encyclopedias. Now we have Patient Portals! And they are here to stay!
In 2016 the Cures Act went into effect, but the part that pertained to access to patient records wasn’t effective until April 2021. The Dept of Health and Human Services began enforcing the rule which declared that a hospital or doctor must allow access to a person’s health information. Failure to do so could result in fines for the doctor and hospital. Thus, the Patient Portal.
The result is that as soon as you have lab work, x-rays, CT scans, or a diagnostic test, YOU will receive the information (often before the doctor does.). This has led to much confusion and fright for many patients. A test result, read by a patient, out of context, or without a doctor’s explanation, can lead to confusion and anxiety and un-necessary emotional harm. I know this personally, when I received the results of my MRI well before my doctor. Seeing a report that stated “new lesions in areas of the brain,” really freaked me out!
In today’s world of instant gratification with computers, the emotional cost of instant access can be high.
- How have you been able to handle reports on the Patient Portal? What suggestions do you have for other members?
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Dr wants a paid visit wheter phone or in office to give test results. Unbelievable!
I love My Chart. There are so many portals out there. Most are not worth much. I have used at least 6 or 7 different ones. My Chart by Epic is head and shoulders better. The joy is being able to link all My Chart providers despite different organizations, states, and specialties. Whenever possible I am choosing doctors/hospitals based on whether they have My Chart as their portal .
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5 ReactionsWell, the Dr left results on portal on my bloodwork. I thought they were going to call me. ( if they did call I didn’t get a msg left) and I found out months later that I had bl sugar that was a little too high, it kind of ticked me off as I didn’t know they weren’t going to call me and were going to leave the msg only on the portal.
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3 ReactionsI feel the same way when I read my spouses results. It means that he is progressing in his illnesses. It has been a rough year for us both(2024). I don't always say anything to him before his physician speaks to him. His decision making is not the same as it used to be. I just have a private cry and go on. What else can you do? If it is not so bad , I have tried to put in simple terms. I am sorry you saw something in your testing that upset you. Hugs and prayers.
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4 ReactionsI had a xray on both my hips. The results were fine. I canceled the appointment before the physician would say what they were. I was not having surgery even if it showed something. My family does not need both parent's needing care.
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1 ReactionWhen I see this I call or send a message on the patient portal RIGHT AWAY asking for a phone call. If it is response to new test results and I contact them within 7 days, there is no charge for a new visit or e-visit.
This is a situation where you need to be your own advocate.
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1 ReactionThe Patient Portal has been a Godsend. I do understand why it would not be for some people, depending upon temperament and background. If you don't understand something, make a note to ask your health care team about it.
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3 ReactionsI like the Patient Portal, at Mayo and at my primary clinic. I like being able to do my own research so I know what, if anything, I need to ask the doctor/nurse when they contact me with the results. I also know not all of my doctors communicate with each other, or read each other’s notes/lab results, so me being able to see everything means I can bring up test results to all of my doctors if needed.
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2 ReactionsI started using patient portal five years ago when I was diagnosed with cancer, it was a little scary at first being something so new to me but then being a cancer patient and dealing with a pandemic at the same time was very overwhelming. It took some time to learn how this worked but eventually I started getting better at using it, I must admit that it was daunting to read everything about my health and treatments especially the test results, of course it took me some time to figure out all the medical jargon and put it into perspective. I’m glad I decided to try it because I always had a hard time waiting for the results and the doctor didn’t contact me very fast due to so much confusion going on back then with the pandemic. I believe it’s helpful but definitely not for everyone and I’m glad that we have more options today to look after our health.
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4 ReactionsI always tell friends and family to read their files on the patient portal!!! There are often inaccuracies that need to be addressed.
Example: I recently went to local Urgent Care/Emergency Dept because I had a sore throat and deep cough which is dangerous for me given my lung issues. I needed to eliminate causes such flu, Covid, RSVP, Strep etc.
I read their Notes when I got home and was shocked to read that they reported that they had done a physical exam of my lungs, heart, abdomen etc. and all was normal. The notes said they had checked my right and left legs for Edema - I was wearing winter boots all the time!!!
In fact the Dr only looked at my throat!!!
And the summary written about my condition by a "Scribe" just pulled up a bunch of terms from my medical records but leaving out my most critical issues like lung cancer and pulmonary hypertension which is not the same as hypertension!
I obviously called them on it and now have to submit paperwork to change.
Realize that when incorrect health info is entered into your file it continues and is picked up by the next provider. If a provider is making decisions on how to treat you based on incorrect information that could be a problem!
Technology has given medicine a wonderful ability, but it takes time for people to adjust to inputting information, and the right kinds of programs to be developed to provide a clear concise patient profile.
I can't imagine what was going on before computers and Doctor Notes were available!!!!
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