topic Re: Fee to use MYCHART beginning in Wellness

Fee to use MYCHART beginning

granddi — Mon, 28 Nov 2022 16:54:52 GMT

Lisa Schencker, Chicago Tribune

Mon, November 28, 2022, 3:15 AM

Patients who ask for their doctors’ help through online portals might soon notice something new: fees for their physicians’ online advice.

A growing number of health systems across the country are now charging for some types of messages sent through online patient portals, such as MyChart, with fees often around $35 or less. It’s a trend that’s sparking mixed reactions, with some saying it seems only fair, while others see it as a cash grab.

In the Chicago area, NorthShore University HealthSystem began billing for some types of messages sent over its patient portal, NorthShoreConnect, earlier this month. It joined Northwestern Medicine and Lurie Children’s Hospital in the practice. Nationally, the Cleveland Clinic generated headlines this month when it announced it would start billing for some communications. UCSF Health in California also charges for some messages.

Re: Fee to use MYCHART beginning

FranandZoe — Mon, 28 Nov 2022 17:08:04 GMT

I won't be paying for MyChart or the patient portal at my dr's. Perhaps we should go back to good old free phone calls. Them contacting us with any info falls under "the price of doing business" IMO.

Re: Fee to use MYCHART beginning

Chopsmom — Mon, 28 Nov 2022 17:11:06 GMT

@granddi

I have mixed feelings about this.

No way should there be a fee if a patient is asking a follow up question after a visit, or medication advice.

However, I knew someone who did pay for concierge medical care and she called him almost daily with some of the silliest questions. I felt sorry for the doctor no matter how much she paid for it.

Where I go, no matter what i call about, they make me come in and see the doctor anyway. That's one reason I'm not even on their portal.

Re: Fee to use MYCHART beginning

kitcat51 — Mon, 28 Nov 2022 17:19:44 GMT

I have MyChart & if I'm charged for it I'll delete it, I set it up as an a courtesy to my Dr's office...I'm good with don't contact me, I'll contact you.

Re: Fee to use MYCHART beginning

smoochy — Mon, 28 Nov 2022 17:50:45 GMT

I'm guessing that the majority of patients will delete their My Chart account if it becomes a pay for use service. I use mine primarily to refill meds and to fill out surveys that my docs want, prior to appointments.
I will not pay for that. Will go back to calling the office about meds. And filling out the surveys in the office when I get there.

Re: Fee to use MYCHART beginning

Trinity11 — Mon, 28 Nov 2022 17:51:07 GMT

I first saw a fee with my cardiologist about two years ago in my portal. It was attached to a follow up phone call in regards to a review of an echocardiogram. I used the portal to request a reply. Insurance paid it in full.

Since my doctor took time out of his very busy schedule, I was fine with him charging for his time.

Re: Fee to use MYCHART beginning

catter70 — Mon, 28 Nov 2022 17:58:31 GMT

I use My Chart and so far haven't noticed any fee. I don't ask anyone questions using My Chart, I just get lab and scan results. Don't know if that would be billed or not.

Re: Fee to use MYCHART beginning

chrystaltree — Mon, 28 Nov 2022 18:01:06 GMT

I think it will depend on how much research or chart review the doctor has to do to respond. If someone is using MyCHART in place of a visit and the doctor spends time reviewing notes, lab reports etc and takes 30 minutes. Of course there should be a charge. But if a patient as a quick question as a follow up to a recent visit, there should be no charge.

Re: Fee to use MYCHART beginning

chrystaltree — Mon, 28 Nov 2022 18:02:27 GMT

@FranandZoe wrote:

I won't be paying for MyChart or the patient portal at my dr's. Perhaps we should go back to good old free phone calls. Them contacting us with any info falls under "the price of doing business" IMO.

And let's go back to outhouses and butter churns and leeches....lol

Re: Fee to use MYCHART beginning

Icegoddess — Mon, 28 Nov 2022 18:05:28 GMT

Never heard of MyChart. I guess if you're asking for the Dr.'s advice on something, that could be considered the same as an office visit. I never contact my Dr. via the portal. I ask for prescription renewal on my gynecologist's portal. I call my Primary Care Physician's office for new scripts. He doesn't have a portal, but does have a way to reach him online. Never used it. If I have a medical issue I call the office.

Re: Fee to use MYCHART beginning

chrystaltree — Mon, 28 Nov 2022 18:07:32 GMT

@fairydogmother wrote:

I'm guessing that the majority of patients will delete their My Chart account if it becomes a pay for use service. I use mine primarily to refill meds and to fill out surveys that my docs want, prior to appointments.

I will not pay for that. Will go back to calling the office about meds. And filling out the surveys in the office when I get there.

I think if they do charge, it only be for physician contacts that required a substantial amount of work. They won't charge for having the app and patients using it because that benefits the medical practices much more than it benefits patients.

Re: Fee to use MYCHART beginning

chrystaltree — Mon, 28 Nov 2022 18:11:31 GMT

@Icegoddess wrote:

Never heard of MyChart. I guess if you're asking for the Dr.'s advice on something, that could be considered the same as an office visit. I never contact my Dr. via the portal. I ask for prescription renewal on my gynecologist's portal. I call my Primary Care Physician's office for new scripts. He doesn't have a portal, but does have a way to reach him online. Never used it. If I have a medical issue I call the office.

Wrong, MYCHART doesn't replace office visits. That's not what it's used for.

Re: Fee to use MYCHART beginning

teganslaw — Mon, 28 Nov 2022 18:17:44 GMT

Icegoddess, MyChart is another name for a patient portal. Maybe your state doesn't call it that?

There will be no charge for checking out results, filling prescriptions or setting up appointments. They will be charged a fee if talking to a physician or spending a certain number of minutes online because of a health problem. Apparently, charge would be determined how many minutes are used talking to the physician.

There is no reason to delete MyChart account; just don't use it unnecessarily.

Re: Fee to use MYCHART beginning

DrakesMomma — Mon, 28 Nov 2022 18:25:14 GMT

This was copied from CMS' (Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services) website.

Examples of messages that may be billed to insurance:

A new issue or symptom requiring medical assessment or referral
Adjusting medications
Chronic disease check-in
Flare-up or change in chronic condition
Request to complete a form

Examples of messages that won't be billed to insurance:

Request for a prescription refill
Request to schedule an appointment
Message that leads your provider to recommend a visit
Follow-up care related to a recent surgery (within the past 90 days) – with exceptions for some surgeries
Update for your doctor when no response is needed
Message that takes only a few minutes to answer

Re: Fee to use MYCHART beginning

mimomof4 — Mon, 28 Nov 2022 18:51:13 GMT

The fees may be because many health insurance providers are offering Televisit as part of their services. Health insurance companies are also nickle and diming our primary care providers.

I also had a special televisit service through Consumerism that covered televist at any time. We used it a few times for my kids to avoid paying a $35 co-pay to see the pediatrician.

Re: Fee to use MYCHART beginning

granddi — Mon, 28 Nov 2022 19:16:58 GMT

@Trinity11 wrote:
I first saw a fee with my cardiologist about two years ago in my portal. It was attached to a follow up phone call in regards to a review of an echocardiogram. I used the portal to request a reply. Insurance paid it in full.

Since my doctor took time out of his very busy schedule, I was fine with him charging for his time.

would you have been fine with the charge if your insurance did not cover the charges?

Re: Fee to use MYCHART beginning

Q4u — Mon, 28 Nov 2022 21:40:53 GMT

Interesting..... I have MyChart and have considered them ok but certainly not worth IMHO a fee for their service, but then again, I don't bother them with anything. If anything, we have been "bothered" with unending "You have a message/letter in MyChart". Then we'll go to open it and viola, another reminder to get a Covid update or a yearly Flu shot.... which we do automatically every year. I enjoy filling out appropriate paperwork on line and having it be there when I arrive. Otherwise I think of MyChart as more of a nuisance.

Re: Fee to use MYCHART beginning

speedy girl — Tue, 29 Nov 2022 05:46:36 GMT

I haven't heard they might start charging for My Chart. I really like this feature but only use it for blood test results or making an appointment. I have asked a couple questions before but they were simple and could be answered by the nurse. I don't expect my Doctor to be there as I can understand charging if the Doctor needs to research and respond. But I won't use it if I have to pay.

Re: Fee to use MYCHART beginning

CherryHugs — Tue, 29 Nov 2022 13:33:44 GMT

My Doctor just switched recently to MyChart. I sure hope nothing will be costing any money!

Re: Fee to use MYCHART beginning

Sunshine Kate — Tue, 29 Nov 2022 13:53:27 GMT

I no longer use apps from my doctor's offices. They are 3rd party apps. I have been hacked twice from these apps and have had to take necessary precautions.

I deleted the apps and it's easier, at least for me. I'm tired of keeping up with user names and passwords for every single thing. The hacking part from a 3rd party app was the ultimate dealbreaker.

I pick up the phone and call.