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Mentor

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.

vic83 | @vic83 | Nov 29, 2022
In reply to @adr "You have a right to your medical notes and all other medical information. If I don't..." + (show)
@adr

You have a right to your medical notes and all other medical information. If I don't see it posted I ask for it. Simple.

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In the interest of helping them improve their systems, I let them know what doesn't work properly.

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vic83 | @vic83 | Nov 29, 2022
In reply to @mikaylar "Me too. Before portals (and even now), I get a printed copy of the summary of..." + (show)
@mikaylar

Me too. Before portals (and even now), I get a printed copy of the summary of my visit. When I get home, I call the doctor's office and tell them all the mistakes in the report. Yesterday's report said I was 138 lbs; I'm 128. The 138 was from my visit 6 months ago. It said they took my vitals and didn't. Those results were all from 6 months ago too. From now on I'll read the summary before I leave the doctor's office. You get your 12-15 minutes seeing the doctor so you better be prepared with a list of questions and make it fast. My doctor stood up and was ready to check me out and I was still asking questions. This is pathetic!

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I too have found several mistakes in my records. I have noted some "cut and paste" by doctors (or their assistants?) from past visits (including other doctors) and the original error gets repeated. I have also noted a difference in "quality of comments" between various networks - like some doctors are just learning to do it. Having complex medical background, I try to be very clear but still see mistakes.

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1 reply
mikaylar | @mikaylar | Nov 29, 2022
In reply to @adr "You have a right to your medical notes and all other medical information. If I don't..." + (show)
@adr

You have a right to your medical notes and all other medical information. If I don't see it posted I ask for it. Simple.

Jump to this post

Me too. Before portals (and even now), I get a printed copy of the summary of my visit. When I get home, I call the doctor's office and tell them all the mistakes in the report. Yesterday's report said I was 138 lbs; I'm 128. The 138 was from my visit 6 months ago. It said they took my vitals and didn't. Those results were all from 6 months ago too. From now on I'll read the summary before I leave the doctor's office. You get your 12-15 minutes seeing the doctor so you better be prepared with a list of questions and make it fast. My doctor stood up and was ready to check me out and I was still asking questions. This is pathetic!

REPLY
2 replies
adr | @adr | Nov 29, 2022
In reply to @vic83 "Could your issue be a technical one dependent on the provider? I have doctors in different..." + (show)
@vic83

Could your issue be a technical one dependent on the provider?
I have doctors in different healthcare networks, and so I have had the opportunity in this last year to compare them. I find that the big networks (Allina, Park Nicollet, Mayo) have very good MyChart pages with a technical support phone number. So, one only has to "create an account" and things are pretty clear. And one has the ability to forward documents to another network of providers.
BUT SMALL PRIVATE GROUPS OF DOCTORS are another thing!!! They do the minimum required by law. They have to post test results, but their "Notes" are little or non-existent. I suspect they don't have the resources to purchase the more expensive software and technical expertise or, perhaps the desire to provide notes to a visit. I utilized database technology a lot before retiring so I know this stuff should work.

Jump to this post

You have a right to your medical notes and all other medical information. If I don't see it posted I ask for it. Simple.

REPLY
2 replies
adr | @adr | Nov 29, 2022
In reply to @jo2468 "When my daughters were small and ill, you would find me in the lowest level of..." + (show)
@jo2468

When my daughters were small and ill, you would find me in the lowest level of my local library going through medical encyclopedias. Huge books, small print an area not well lit. Obviously pre-computer. You need to be proactive with your health and it's so much easier now. This site is a blessing and you don't feel as alone as I did back in the library basement!

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I've done the same thing. Back in the days that is all we had. Library medical books that were not up to date. Technology has come a long way and we are better off for it. We now are active participants in our own health. Gone are the days when the doctors would say "oh, your number are a little off!". Well, I like to see for myself what my numbers are. Also I am big on second opinions. So having the report is very helpful.

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jo2468 | @jo2468 | Nov 29, 2022

When my daughters were small and ill, you would find me in the lowest level of my local library going through medical encyclopedias. Huge books, small print an area not well lit. Obviously pre-computer. You need to be proactive with your health and it's so much easier now. This site is a blessing and you don't feel as alone as I did back in the library basement!

REPLY
1 reply
mikaylar | @mikaylar | Nov 28, 2022
In reply to @kelly619 "I like having the results before seeing my physician. Then, I have the information on hand..." + (show)
@kelly619

I like having the results before seeing my physician. Then, I have the information on hand to ask about. It doesn't do anything for me to have the results after talking to the MD, or during because the questions come as I walk out of the office. It's scary to think so many people are not able to understand the results, or how it pertains to their individual health. In context of prior condition and how the result may influence further medical needs or not. Could it be time for Americans to understand healthcare needs and testing better? Would this result in a more healthcare oriented society? Maybe more informed patient interactions? Improved end care to the consumer? Outcomes that are better because we act in harmony with the needs of our health...
I personally find it's a new age, and depending on the doctor's knowledge 100% in blind faith will no longer work for me. I am a communicator, I read everything, I've read medical journals since high school. It's my health and I am part of the team. It's important to understand goals, plan of care, and act on them. Not just be a cog in the healthcare system that lets others decide my fate. It's important and more importantly it's about you. We have jobs in life, we learn about our jobs to be more effective at that work. This should be no different. Hope everyone here decides that learning about our health isn't scary, it's informed. We will all die. Maybe understanding more will bring better decisions about the living part.

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Yes, I agree with you. I like having my results. In fact, my doctor's nurse called to tell me my blood work was all fine. Wrong! She missed that my thyroid numbers were off and that I should have been told to see my endocrinologist. We are our best advocate!

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vic83 | @vic83 | Nov 28, 2022
In reply to @kelly619 "I like having the results before seeing my physician. Then, I have the information on hand..." + (show)
@kelly619

I like having the results before seeing my physician. Then, I have the information on hand to ask about. It doesn't do anything for me to have the results after talking to the MD, or during because the questions come as I walk out of the office. It's scary to think so many people are not able to understand the results, or how it pertains to their individual health. In context of prior condition and how the result may influence further medical needs or not. Could it be time for Americans to understand healthcare needs and testing better? Would this result in a more healthcare oriented society? Maybe more informed patient interactions? Improved end care to the consumer? Outcomes that are better because we act in harmony with the needs of our health...
I personally find it's a new age, and depending on the doctor's knowledge 100% in blind faith will no longer work for me. I am a communicator, I read everything, I've read medical journals since high school. It's my health and I am part of the team. It's important to understand goals, plan of care, and act on them. Not just be a cog in the healthcare system that lets others decide my fate. It's important and more importantly it's about you. We have jobs in life, we learn about our jobs to be more effective at that work. This should be no different. Hope everyone here decides that learning about our health isn't scary, it's informed. We will all die. Maybe understanding more will bring better decisions about the living part.

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I agree 100% with your comments.

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casey1329 | @casey1329 | Nov 28, 2022
In reply to @mari "I'm a Computer Graphic Designer. I get notices re NEW TEST RESULTS from Drs. and when..." + (show)
@mari

I'm a Computer Graphic Designer. I get notices re NEW TEST RESULTS from Drs. and when I sign up for anything. - I've tried 89 times or more to sign in.
then i may call Dr and ask to find out results.
They may mail hard copies to me.
Totally frustrating.
I don't care who sees my med info. As long as I get to see it!

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Sometimes just using a different browser helps...good luck !

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mikaylar | @mikaylar | Nov 28, 2022
In reply to @mari "I'm a Computer Graphic Designer. I get notices re NEW TEST RESULTS from Drs. and when..." + (show)
@mari

I'm a Computer Graphic Designer. I get notices re NEW TEST RESULTS from Drs. and when I sign up for anything. - I've tried 89 times or more to sign in.
then i may call Dr and ask to find out results.
They may mail hard copies to me.
Totally frustrating.
I don't care who sees my med info. As long as I get to see it!

Jump to this post

The portal usually has a help line or the doctor's office can direct you to where you can get technical help.

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