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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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HI Debbie @dbeshears1
I just had my endocrinologist tell me I needed to be on a statin because my cholesterol is too high, but not outrageous in my opinion. I asked about statins and neuropathy (I already have) and he said there was a concern so he prescribed a weaker alternative. What if I hadn't asked? And this doctor really reviews my case. Hmmm. My neuropathy couldn't handle metformin either so a weaker med was prescribed. Both can cause severe stomach upset and that's a huge quality of life issue in my opinion so I've decided against taking either. I will just do what I can improving diet and exercise and hope for the best. I'm already on 3 cancer meds causing a lot of side effects including diabetes so I think I'll just live with the rest. You take one med then need to take more meds to deal with the side effects from the first med. It's a domino effect that I have to say no to sometimes.
With meds, you also have to watch out for pharmacies that just keep calling the doctor for refills and the doctor rubber stamps them without ever calling you back in. Again, be your own advocate there.
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5 ReactionsRight on, one has to be sure doctors are aware of clinical issues. Always read MyChart. I have caught serious discrepancies in Notes. And one should read test results!
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4 ReactionsI keep a binder of all my test results plus running record of all my appointments, the reason for going and the results of the visit. Most doctors like it and say things like, "I've made their job easier". So good luck with advocating for yourself. It's the only way to go in our busy high tech age. As far as taking a statin, I think there are several types and you might just need to find the one that works for you...good luck!
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4 ReactionsI really appreciate being able to access test results as soon as possible. It helps prepare me for my appointment with my doctor.
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2 ReactionsI’m new to the Mayo Clinic. The patient portal seems difficult to navigate….I can’t seem to find a way to contact all members of my care team, only my medallion doctor. What am I missing? TIA
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2 ReactionsWelcome @buckwild, I have used the patient portal for quite a few years now and have never seen or needed an option to contact all members of my care team. Normally I just contact my primary care doctor using the Send message function. I'm a patient through Rochester Mayo but it sounds like you have healthcare through the Mayo Clinic Medallion Program in Arizona or Florida. I don't think it's available in Rochester.
--- Mayo Clinic Medallion Program: https://www.mayoclinic.org/departments-centers/mayo-clinic-medallion/sections/overview/ovc-20462968
Can you send a message to your medallion doctor and ask them to also send it to all members of your care team?
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2 ReactionsInteresting comment John. I lived in Florida 10 years until 2010. In Florida many Internal Medicine doctors were starting to go "Concierge" - which meant you had to pay to be in their "network". So, Concierge doctors would be outside any Advantage Plans. I have traditional Medicare with good Medigap policy so I can self-refer to any doctor who takes Medicare, and I never see a bill. Adding Concierge doctor fee increases everybody's cost, not everyone can afford it.
I am back in Minnesota now and am patient of Mayo Rochester for lung cancer, cardiac stent, and now need other health issues addressed at Mayo. It is important for me to now stay with specialists at Mayo because they need to consider my whole clinical picture when making treatment decisions, and Mayo lab already has lab work on me which could be improtant.
I cannot have a Primary care physician at Mayo Rochester because one needs to be in a certain geographical area. Otherwise, the people living close to Rochester would not be able to get in to see their closest PCPs. So, for the same reason I suspect a Medallion program would interfere with the care of people living in the rural areas around Rochester.
I am less than 2 hours' drive from Rochester, and we do have snow so driving to Mayo for Urgent/Emergency Care or normal PCP stuff is not really practical. I work with my local PCP for standard stuff, and to review tests done at Mayo and discuss anything popping up that is outside my specialist's area of expertise, but that might be a concern. I want to be able myself to go directly to the Specialist for questions on the relevant issues and not through a PCP.
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2 ReactionsHi @buckwild, I'd like to add my welcome. I think you're wise to get tips on using the Mayo Clinic portal from fellow members here. @johnbishop has given a few tips that may help.
You may also be interested in this related discussion specifically about the Mayo Clinic patient portal:
- Mayo Clinic Patient Portal: How do I find it? Do you use it?
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/mayo-portal/
If you'd like to contact someone for support in using Mayo's portal, you can click "Get Help" in Support on the portal. Here's the link to call or submit an online request:
“Get Help” https://onlineservices.mayoclinic.org/patientportal/content/get-help
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4 ReactionsYou can contact your primary physician on the portal through messages. Otherwise, I think you need to call the clinic to contact other members of your care team.
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1 ReactionIn todays world, having the portal is important. Saw what one doctor wrote which was totally incorrect! His 6 min speech that it was my meds giving me pain was a laugh. It turned out my attorney got involved and this doctor, which I waited 6 months to see, found out quickly how incompetent he was.
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