topic Re: PATIENT PORTALS - PRO OR CON? in Wellness

PATIENT PORTALS - PRO OR CON?

Tinkrbl44 — Mon, 22 May 2023 23:42:09 GMT

I have suddenly been getting daily emails "inviting" me to set up a portal.

For some reason, I think I read comments here a while back saying some didn't like them ... or had problems ... or something.

So, as of May 2023 .... what's your take on them?

Re: PATIENT PORTALS - PRO OR CON?

on the bay — Mon, 22 May 2023 23:45:54 GMT

@Tinkrbl44,

I have one and it is really convenient.

You can read any test results, doctors notes, send a message, read any message, make an appointment.

It is a nice way to communicate and get information in your own time.

Re: PATIENT PORTALS - PRO OR CON?

ruthbe — Mon, 22 May 2023 23:48:22 GMT

I just want to make sure...you are talking to patient portals where you review your own medical records....example from your physician...

If so I think is a definite YES. I have worked in medical records for 40 years. You reallt need to review and keep track your records. You have every right to the information. Plus check for any errors.

I check mine often. Especially if I have visited my doctor...had an x-ray, lab work, etc.

If you have any questions regarding what you have read...please talk to your doctor...which they should be contacting you about your results. Plus if you have access to your results...you can prepare yourself for any questions you might have.

Re: PATIENT PORTALS - PRO OR CON?

on the bay — Mon, 22 May 2023 23:50:30 GMT

@Tinkrbl44,You can also get test, lab results fairly quickly and without calling the drs office.

Re: PATIENT PORTALS - PRO OR CON?

spiderw — Mon, 22 May 2023 23:53:12 GMT

I have two patient portals I refer to and find them to be easy, convenient and informative. I can see test results and request refills on my meds when necessary. I haven't found the portals to be a problem or difficult to navigate.

Re: PATIENT PORTALS - PRO OR CON?

Janey2 — Mon, 22 May 2023 23:56:53 GMT

I have a different take....unless you are in the medical profession it is not always easy to understand test results. A number of times I looked at my blood work results and thought something might be wrong. When the office called to explain nothing was wrong I try not to look at results, makes me nervous.

Re: PATIENT PORTALS - PRO OR CON?

jpie — Tue, 23 May 2023 00:01:18 GMT

I have two or three different medical portals. My PCP is in a different system than all of my other medical providers.

Both portals are convenient, but there is always a verification code that is sent to you by text or email to confirm your identity. Sometimes, this can be a hassle, but very necessary to for your own protection.

Through these portals, you can see past results (some going back a few years), current results of tests and procedures, doctor comments in detail, confirming current medication, insurance authorization, future appointments within that health care system, and so much more.

You can also pay in advance for co-pays and balances so that it is a quicker check-in upon appointment day.

Once you get used to it, it is a very efficient for the patient and all employees. Plus it saves filling out page after page of forms at the medical office.

Re: PATIENT PORTALS - PRO OR CON?

Mom2Dogs — Tue, 23 May 2023 00:02:17 GMT

@Tinkrbl44 I have one as does my husband. Early test results and also contacting your doctor is a convenience using the portal.

Just today I had to contact my doctor over a situation I am dealing with. I did not get a return message today but I am certain I will tomorrow. I hope instead of seeing the physician again I can be referred to another doctor /specialist that can help me out or at least schedule a test so that I don't have to have an appointment first.

Last week I had to contact my husbands physician over lab results that they lost!

It was much easier than calling the office, being put on hold for a long period....I got it resolved in one day.

Re: PATIENT PORTALS - PRO OR CON?

NicksmomESQ — Tue, 23 May 2023 02:47:39 GMT

I set one up for my DH when he was treated for prostate cancer 2 years ago. I find it very easy to communicate with his doctors. I get responses within a couple of hours. Last year I messaged the doctor on a Friday evening, thinking I wouldn't get a response until Monday morning.He actually responded on Saturday morning!!

I also get test results very quickly too.

The doctor had suggested I set one up. He said it would be a faster way to contact him than calling the office & leaving a message.He was so right.

Re: PATIENT PORTALS - PRO OR CON?

Bookplate — Tue, 23 May 2023 00:24:09 GMT

I agree with other posters that they can be very useful, especially for test results. However, my complaint is that every single doctor I see has one now and they all expect me to participate. Like I need a half a dozen more logins in my life. Some softwear companies are making a killing selling these things to medical offices.

Re: PATIENT PORTALS - PRO OR CON?

luvmyteddy4 — Tue, 23 May 2023 00:24:30 GMT

I use the patient portal a lot! Love it. It so much faster than calling the office because they have a nurse that monitors the portal and gets your question to the doctor.

If I have a question the dr will call me in a script sometimes. It is so much faster. The nurse will go back and forth with me if I need something.

Re: PATIENT PORTALS - PRO OR CON?

Carmie — Tue, 23 May 2023 00:48:32 GMT

I use the patient portal. I like being able to check my medical records. I can even pay medical bills through them if necessary.

I also use one for my dogs health care.

Re: PATIENT PORTALS - PRO OR CON?

robbn99 — Tue, 23 May 2023 00:49:37 GMT

My two main doctors use them and I am pro. I get my test results quicker, good for going back to compare labs, read your own tests, and convenience of contacting them. I also have used them to see when I had illness or tests. My memory is not that good when it comes to remembering when I had something done. Go for it, think you will be pleased.

Re: PATIENT PORTALS - PRO OR CON?

Goldengate8361 — Tue, 23 May 2023 00:53:28 GMT

Love them!

Re: PATIENT PORTALS - PRO OR CON?

NEvans2 — Tue, 23 May 2023 00:53:47 GMT

I love my patient portal. I can contact all my doctors thru the same app. Mine is called My Chart. It's very easy to navigate and many times by the time I get home from my appointment all my info is already on it. My blood work results are usually on later the same day or early the next day. Of course there are things I don't understand, but it always gives you what the norm is and what your result is. If I have any questions, I just message my Dr. thru the app and ask. Easy peasy! And I'm no tech wizard!

Re: PATIENT PORTALS - PRO OR CON?

spumoni99 — Tue, 23 May 2023 01:01:11 GMT

We have used this for years and I can't imagine not having this. As an example my husband has a chronic problem with his foot, he goes in every 3 weeks to get it checked and debraded. They usually set up the next appointment after we leave and we find the information on his portal but a few times they have forgotten, all I do is send the doctor a quick note and see within a day that they have scheduled the follow up appointment.

If we didn't have the portal I'm sure I would have been on the phone for a while.

I can also review when prescriptions are ready to be refilled and request a refill etc. We have Kaiser so everything is on one portal.

Re: PATIENT PORTALS - PRO OR CON?

RedTop — Tue, 23 May 2023 01:06:38 GMT

I haven't felt the need to have one for myself yet.

Re: PATIENT PORTALS - PRO OR CON?

layla2450 — Tue, 23 May 2023 01:12:01 GMT

PRO.

Re: PATIENT PORTALS - PRO OR CON?

OKPrincess — Tue, 23 May 2023 01:32:05 GMT

We have one too. Get all test results and make payment if needed.

Re: PATIENT PORTALS - PRO OR CON?

JaneMarple — Tue, 23 May 2023 02:22:36 GMT

@Tinkrbl44 you can also check in for an appointment through the portal, I had a ultrasound today and I confirmed and checked in from my computer.

Most of my doctors are all in the same group and the hospital portal is linked to them as well.