Connect
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?
Like
Helpful
HugInterested in more discussions like this? Go to the Just Want to Talk Support Group.
Connect
Just don't open it, use only the appointment section...good luck !
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
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.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
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?
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
5 ReactionsMy patient portal with a University regarding a SIBO test has led to confusion between My Doctor and a nurse. Now the nurse seems to have control over what the doctor said on my patient portal! I reported it, but could lead to the cancellation of my test. Do you think I should trust any of them?
I find patient portal super useful, especially since I moved to a different state and was able to quickly retrieve my old records during my first appointment with a new doctor.
While biopsy and MRI results may be troubling for me, I prefer to be an informed patient. I like being able to see results early, and my doctors usually follow up a day or two after the results are in.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
5 Reactions@bustrbrwn22 You ask a good question about the use of EHR—“can you opt out?” I looked up the Colorado regional health information exchange and found a phone number. You could try the same for your state.
I, personally, don’t want to opt out because it is so handy for me that my medical records follow me everywhere: ER to doctor’s office to physical therapy. It save me lots of hassle.
Do you not feel safe having your information shared?
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
2 ReactionsAbsolutely!! Unless you're a 'Doctor' ; you must read these reports knowing certain jargon is used in the medical field. Try not to be alarmed until you discuss it with your Doctor!!. They are trying to cover all the bases.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
3 ReactionsPatient portals are a necessity as they provide details which a physician may decide you do not need to know. I experienced this when a physician scheduled a biopsy, without informing me of the details and without my consent. The scan results clearly stated that a follow up scan should be done in 6 months. I has now been 5 years and I have not needed any invasive treatment.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionThanks for your very excellent information on patient records.