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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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It was a 1 day procedure in the hospital and the of the best in Philadelphia, might I add, Penn. It was 2 weeks later that the nurses assistant had a telemed with me to tell me exactly what the doctor did during surgery - 2 freakin weeks!! I saw this surgeon for consultation a month before surgery for 15 minutes and 3 minutes before surgery when she talked to the anesthesiologist. That's it. I assumed the surgery went well or I would have heard before 2 weeks but who knows.
@mikaylar: Yup, happened to me as well. Consultation with surgeon for lumpectomy - maybe 15 minutes in office. Day of surgery (still with COVID protocol, mask on my face at all times) he waltzes in about 40 minutes behind schedule, says “hey”, scribbles something on my right shoulder, and that was it. Post surgery consult a few days later was with a very nice PA, never saw the surgeon again. And - because of numerous delays, recovery rooms were full, so I went from that immediate “waking-up” station/stage straight out the door.
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1 ReactionOmg, I am not alone. I went from waking up and 45 minutes out the door. I could hardy get dressed; I was so groggy. Years ago they sent my daughter home right after a hysterectomy and that night she could not urinate. I raced her back, they catharised her and then had the gall to charge her another co-pay FOR THE SAME DAY that they screwed up. I wrote 7 letters to ever CEO and anyone of importance. We got off the hook. This is not good.
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3 Reactionsgood idea, it cuts a lot of wear and tear on the issues at hand for DOCTORS VISITS....YOU ARE SMART...THANKS>..Margareto
When I got the appointment with my breast cancer surgeon, she sent a letter out giving her contact info as well as that of her nurse and two nurse practitioners. In the letter, she clearly stated that I would see her on the day of surgery but not after unless absolutely necessary. All of my follow ups have been with her staff.
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1 ReactionMy experience with patient portals has depended on where I was. The good thing always was that I could see what was in my medical records as soon as it was available. The unfortunate thing was that I found errors in some cases, egregious ones. The other problem was that it highlighted a lack of communication. I had a hole in my heart diagnosed by echocardiogram, and then no word from the doctor for weeks, even when I repeatedly asked for it. It would have been simple to send a note by the portal to say it was a small hole and unlikely to be a problem. But he didn't. Things went from bad to worse. I ended up at the Mayo to get diagnosed, and it was a wonderful experience, with one exception. The neurologist I saw suggested a possible serious problem in her notes, but no one told me. I had to find it for myself. Not the best way to find such a potential diagnosis.
All in all, it's a definite positive. It keeps everybody honest and allows me to determine the quality of care I am receiving. It also is showing me what I need to ask about at appointments.
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1 ReactionWe have 2 extremes in health care each year, depending on our current residence. In our Minnesota home, where we try to have most of our care, very provider has a portal, and most of the larger ones "talk" to each other. Test results are available promptly, we communicate directly with the providers, care is generally superior.
In our Texas home, 1970's style care is prevalent. Individual practices, often with few or no xray and lab facilities in office, nobody covering nights and weekends, the ER is your only option...find your own specialists...except at 2 very busy teaching hospitals.
Here many hours are spent helping friends find care they need. Our friends 20 miles away, across the border, have an even tougher time - hardly anyone has insurance, hospital admission is not assured even if you have cash, and many of our friends must raise thousands before a family member can get surgery or chemo.
As hard as it is for us to get prompt care sometimes, many in the world are far worse off!
Sue
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3 ReactionsI don't know how I'd feel about a doctor like that. Sounds too cut & dried for me. I want to know that my doctor is there for me and doesn't just hand me off to a nurse. Not my idea of a caring physician, especially dealing with Cancer. Wish you all the best.
Well, Nutmeg, you will be sadly surprised out there when you actually need care. Doctors and surgeons give us extremely limited time. If their nurses and staff can deal with us, you best believe they will. Gone are the days that you speak to your doctor directly. My friend has to wait 3 months to see her family doctor.
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1 ReactionI like having the instant gratification from the portal. I make notes to ask my doctor about.. but I do let the information marinate before digesting.
For me it’s a tool that allows me ease of communicating with my healthcare team..
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