To all: with respect to charges for using a patient portal, it is important to be clear on the policy of your provider. The portal remains a very efficient tool for communication and many of ways to use the portal that members have shared are perfect examples of those quick questions and clarifications. This is better for both the patient and the provider. Not all questions require an appointment.

I know I've said this a few times in this discussion, but it bears repeating:
For Mayo Clinic not all patient portal messages are subject to billing. To be eligible for billing, the message must be patient-initiated and require a clinical decision that otherwise would have been provided through an in-person or virtual office visit. Patients who can't afford the charges will be referred to financial assistance.

If in doubt, ask. 🙂