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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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Thanks for the helpful infor nonobaddog
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1 ReactionYou can see this too. There is a marker by the items, like test results, messages, clinical notes, etc., that you have not looked at, usually it is a red dot. This is very helpful when you have a lot of items, you can go directly to the ones you have not already seen.
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2 ReactionsAmen! Information is not the problem. This is a new tool, and it is in one's best interest to learn to use it. There are reasons there is a law to post that information making it accessible to the patient. One is to make it easier for patients to change providers.
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1 ReactionMy goodness! I love the patient portal!!
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4 ReactionsMy doctor's office called me to tell me about blood results and mentioned that she noticed I did not look in the portal to see my results. Doctors know when you have been in the portal. Amazing.
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1 ReactionI have to know, thats just me & sometimes I get them before my Dr. so then I call his Nurse & tell her to tell him to call me asap, he's good & he does..as far as you not wanting to see them, you don't need the Portal, at least here, they can e mail you your apps. Or just put it on your calender on your phone with a reminder
All the Best..
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2 ReactionsJust don't open it, use only the appointment section...good luck !
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1 ReactionThe Dr. is 2 hours away and I don't drive out of town. That's the problem! This patient portal stuff is my only link. I'll keep you updated. Thanks.
I've had frustration and anxiety from seeing that I have results in and the doctor hasn't spoken to me. I've even told them not to let me see it. They haven't been obeying, now I understand why. I guess I'll just make a decision to wait, or read them, depending on the type of result. It seems like the patient should be able to "opt out." I need the portal for appointments, etc.
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2 Reactions@mariajean03 how unfortunate that there seems t be a conflict/misunderstanding between the doctor and nurse. Before you get into not trusting the medical staff, have you thought about setting up a meeting with the doctor? You want to discuss your health and what’s on the portal, NOT the disagreement. I would urge you to do that.
Will you call for an appointment this afternoon?
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