The Patient Portal—Help or Hindrance?

Posted by Becky, Volunteer Mentor @becsbuddy, Nov 1, 2022

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?

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Just Want to Talk Support Group.

billie6977 | @billie6977 | Jan 26, 2023

In reply to @vic83 "You have to give them a CD??? They could not send electronically the actual scan to..." + (show)

I've actually went to my doctor I'm in Georgia they're in California I contacted them through computer system and they sent me all my records all I had to do was sign a waiver stating that I was requesting this I have all 416 pages worth of my medical records it is possible I'm not saying that it's against the law and I'm not going to tell you what doctor gave it to me but I can say there are those out there that will make sure that you have your medical records it's better to have them all in one place it took me a long time to get all my stuff together because I've lived in a few States over the past years so having six patient portals on my phone takes up a lot of space but if you talk to them they'll send them to you to where you can get them and upload them into your one app. I'd have to take a look but I do have a medical porthole that all my records are on from every doctor that I go to just one. I'm not can't remember who it was I was asking but I really hope this helps @ornerydog

vic83 | @vic83 | Jan 26, 2023

In reply to @billie6977 "I've actually went to my doctor I'm in Georgia they're in California I contacted them through..." + (show)

I may have misunderstood you. If I need to go to a different doctor/clinic, I tell them to send to the other clinics. For the actual scans, they say they have to "push" them out - I think it means they fax over to a specific number.
I work off of my computer - phone screen too small!

vic83 | @vic83 | Jan 26, 2023

oh...this could become an Apple vs. PC discussion!!!
I have a PC ...in the office if one did analytical work that is what one used.
But I know laptops no longer have CD/DVD drives because everything is downloaded from Internet. Keep the KEY when you buy software in case you need to download again.
Awhile back I bought a computer and a separate drive but never really used it.
Even here in MSP/St Paul metro area we have small medical clinics who don't have much on the Internet - just what they are required to do. I guess they don't want to spend the money for the bigger system.
If you don't have a USB port where does the wireless mouse go?

ornerydog | @ornerydog | Jan 26, 2023

"...an Apple vs. PC discussion!!!" maybe 25 years ago and only then for the less than savy. track pad. why would you need a usb port for a "wireless" mouse?

billie6977 | @billie6977 | Jan 26, 2023

In reply to @vic83 "I may have misunderstood you. If I need to go to a different doctor/clinic, I tell..." + (show)

I got my records sent to me from California to Georgia, I had to sign a medical release waiver but they were delivered today. Had no problem

Miriam, Volunteer Mentor | @mir123 | Jan 28, 2023

Like everything else in the medical world, one size does not fit all. I think we each need to be aware of our own personalities and preferences and how we function as human beings, not just as people with diseases. That said, I like the portal because I like info quickly and can generally figure it out. However, I have friends who simply wait to get the results from their physicians. Some of this may be generational--Millennials (which I am not!) seem to prefer the portal. But I'd say stick to your own approach and manage anxiety and use support systems. Also, my experience has been such a roller coaster--I try not to react too much to "good"and "bad" news if possible.

casey1329 | @casey1329 | Jan 29, 2023

In reply to @billie6977 "I've actually went to my doctor I'm in Georgia they're in California I contacted them through..." + (show)

I've linked the doctors and hospitals that are in the system and have no trouble getting medical records. I recommend print on both sides it saves paper...good luck !

casey1329 | @casey1329 | Jan 29, 2023

I do see you point about not fixing but throwing out. It at first glance seems wasteful. However, I also think that technology keeps advancing at such a rapid pace that an electronic item that is a few years old may no longer be desirable and so no pint in fixing.