learning you have cancer through patient portal

How can I help my family through a cancer diagnosis?

Nov 24, 2021 · A patient portal is a secure online website that gives people with cancer convenient, 24-hour access to their personal health information from anywhere with an internet connection. Under the recently enacted 21 st Century Cures Act, health care organizations must share medical records electronically to all patients.

What is the myctca patient portal?

May 17, 2019 · Because right there in my patient portal was a diagnosis for what, when googled, was bone marrow cancer!!! Yes, you read that right. My chart said I have bone marrow cancer but either I went temporarily deaf or my doctor forgot to tell me. Everyone was sleeping. I was hyperventilating. I.Have.Bone.Marrow. Cancer. It kept repeating on a loop in ...

How can I talk to someone who has had cancer?

To help you and your caregivers navigate the complexities of the cancer journey, we offer the myCTCA patient portal, a web-based tool designed to allow you to connect with your care team, manage appointments and view medical information. With the myCTCA portal, you can: Review lab results; Renew prescriptions; View medical documents ; Manage appointments

How do I keep patient information secure on myctca?

Aug 28, 2019 · In the first scenario, a patient accesses the portal and sees results suggesting a new cancer diagnosis. But that patient may not have an appointment with their doctor for another 7 or 10 days, if ...

What information can be accessed through a patient portal?

The features of patient portals may vary, but typically you can securely view and print portions of your medical record, including recent doctor visits, discharge summaries, medications, immunizations, allergies, and most lab results anytime and from anywhere you have Web access.

How do doctors tell patients they have cancer?

The doctor may start by asking about your personal and family medical history and do a physical exam. The doctor also may order lab tests, imaging tests (scans), or other tests or procedures. You may also need a biopsy, which is often the only way to tell for sure if you have cancer.Jul 17, 2019

What are the cons of a patient portal?

Con: Difficult patient buy-in The most frequently reported downside to patient portals is the difficulty providers often face in generating patient buy-in. Although providers are generally aware of the health perks of using a patient portal, patients are seldom as excited about the portal as they are.Feb 17, 2016

How do you use patient portal?

7:258:41How to use a patient portal - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIf you think you would like to sign up for your medical centre's patient portal then talk to theMoreIf you think you would like to sign up for your medical centre's patient portal then talk to the staff when you're there next or give them a call they will ask for your email address and then they

How do you communicate with cancer diagnosis?

Here are some tips to help you show your support:Take your cues from the person with cancer. ... Show support without words. ... Choose your words carefully. ... Practice active listening. ... Use caution when asking questions. ... Make sure it is okay to give advice. ... Be honest about your feelings but do not overburden.More items...

Which cancers spread the fastest?

Five of the fastest-moving cancers include pancreatic, brain, esophageal, liver and skin.

Why is a patient portal important?

A patient portal is a website for your personal health care. The online tool helps you to keep track of your health care provider visits, test results, billing, prescriptions, and so on. You can also e-mail your provider questions through the portal.Aug 13, 2020

Why do some patients fail to participate in the use of the patient portal?

The reason why most patients do not want to use their patient portal is because they see no value in it, they are just not interested. The portals do not properly incentivize the patient either intellectually (providing enough data to prove useful) or financially.

Can patient portals be hacked?

Health outcomes improve. Unfortunately, what makes your patient portal valuable for patients is exactly what makes it attractive to cybercriminals. It's a one-stop shop for entire health records, and identity thieves can make a fast buck from stealing this data and selling it on.

What is portal message?

Portal messages are a secure, optional messaging tool built into the patient portal. Patient portal users can exchange messages with their pediatric practice, and the practice can receive and send portal messages with PCC EHR or pocketPCC.Jul 1, 2021

What makes the patient portal different from a PHR?

The Portal is controlled by the source system (EMR/EHR/Hospital). On the other hand, the Personal Health Record (PHR) is more patient centric, is controlled by a patient or family member, and may or may not be connected to a doctor or hospital (i.e. it may be tethered or untethered).Sep 6, 2012

What is the role of an HIM professional with regards to patient portals?

The HIM professional's role will be to help manage that access portal and to help patients manage the information held within it.

What is myCTCA patient portal?

What is the myCTCA patient portal? For many patients, a cancer diagnosis often brings with it a wave of stress and emotions. It also comes with questions, paperwork, appointments, prescriptions and medical bills.

What is the number to call for CTCA?

If you have technical issues with your my CTCA portal, call the help line 24/7 at 1-800-234-0482. This number is for technical issues only and not for medical-related questions. If you need emergency medical assistance, dial 911.

Can you speak directly to a member of your care team?

You can still reach out and speak directly with members of your care team, who will be happy to address concerns and answer questions. The portal, however, provides another option for you to communicate with your clinical team. Learn more about the Mother Standard ® of care.

Why do cancer patients use portals?

What is the impact of portals for patients at cancer centers? Researchers from a university cancer center in Texas found that the three most common reasons patients used the portal were to view test results, to respond to messages from clinic staff, and to request medical advice.

What is a patient portal?

A patient portal is a website or mobile app through which patients can securely access online parts of their medical records. Often, the portal is a component of the electronic health record used at that hospital/health system, and it may include lab reports, imaging (x-ray) studies, pathology reports, medication lists, and in some cases, doctors’ and hospital notes. In addition, a portal may allow patients to send secure messages to their medical team, request/cancel appointments, refill prescriptions, and pay bills online. Some portals allow doctors to conduct “virtual visits” with their patients online for simple, straightforward conditions like respiratory infections and back pain, although this is not common yet at cancer centers. Patients usually access the portal via their desktop computer and/or smartphone or tablet using a unique user name-password combination.

What is portal used for?

Limit your interactions. Portals are best used for short, straightforward questions and messages. Extended back-and-forth exchanges between patients and medical staff are not always effective, as meanings and nuances can be lost online.

How long does it take to answer a patient message?

For example, nurses may review messages first and then pass on those to the doctor that require his/her input, and this process may take a minimum of 48 to 72 hours. Keep the timing of test results in mind.

Can you share your password with others?

Don’t share your password with others, and be sure to choose a password that is secure. For example, don’t use the same password for all online sites or use a password easy to guess like a pet’s name. Don't be pressured into using a portal if you aren’t comfortable.

Do you have to have a doctor's note on a portal?

Portals usually contain lab test results and imaging reports, but doctor’s notes are rarely included. However, patients have a right to receive copies of all of their medical records, including their visit notes, but this request may have to go through the medical records department. Keep your information safe and protected.

Can you send urgent messages on a portal?

However, this is not always easy to coordinate. Never send urgent messages. Messages with an urgent medical need (for example, a fever for someone receiving chemotherapy) should NEVER be sent through the portal; call the office instead. Limit your interactions.

What are the benefits of a patient portal?

What are the benefits and features of patient portals? 1 Online new patient registration reduces printing and mailing paper forms 2 Oncology specific care management tools improves patient side effect tracking 3 Automated delivery of diagnosis specific patient education materials results in better informed patients 4 Secure messaging with patients for e-visits and appointment reminders reduces missed calls and visits 5 Communication tools for patients helps them organize support from friends and family 6 Social network for patients connects them with other cancer survivors for additional support 7 Services such as online bill pay, prescription refill requests and appointment scheduling results in more efficient use of staff time 8 Patient access to health information including lab results, tests and medical history reduces staff time spent copying and mailing patient records 9 Spanish language version of new patient registration expands potential patient base

What is a personal health record?

A personal health record (PHR) can be a paper, electronic or web based record of an individual’s health data that is compiled and maintained by the individual. The paper-based format is typically a file folder or binder with copies of printed lab reports, tests and personal health history forms. An electronic version contains ...

What is EMR in healthcare?

An electronic health record (EHR), also called an electronic medical record ( EMR), is a record of an individual’s health data that is entered and maintained by a health care provider such as hospitals and clinics. While the data is about the patient, it was not easy for patients to get access to this data. A patient portal is an online gateway ...

What is the 2009 ARRa?

The 2009 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) included incentives for providers to adopt electronic health record (EHR) systems. To qualify for these incentives, providers must show that they are using EHR’s in a “meaningful way” by passing a certification test consisting of 25 specific Meaningful Use rules.

Slow down and give yourself a chance to cope

Set aside time for yourself and your loved ones. It’s easy to feel isolated when you put up a strong front, so keep the lines of communication open with your family, friends, and doctors. Try to gain strength from one another by expressing your emotions honestly and openly.

Learn what services and programs are available

Many patients don’t take full advantage of support and resources simply because they haven’t had a chance to learn what’s out there. The National Cancer Institute offers advice for finding support resources in the general community.

Accept help from others

Make a list of ways that friends and family can help, and suggest specific tasks. Friends or family members who assist with the day-to-day challenges of living with cancer can review the helpful advice and tips in Dana-Farber’s downloadable caregiver booklets.

Learn more about your cancer

Gather basic information about your diagnosis, to the extent that you feel comfortable. Take notes when your doctor or nurse explains something, or ask a loved one to do so. If you have questions before an appointment, write them down and ask them when you meet with your cancer care team.

Step back and think about how you are coping

Everyone reacts to a cancer diagnosis in his or her own way, so it may help to turn to strategies that have helped you manage and reduce stress in the past. Ideas to consider: Practice relaxation techniques or attend a yoga class (both available through Dana-Farber’s Zakim Center ). Rely on your preferred spiritual support.

Connect with others in your situation

Talking with someone who has previously dealt with cancer can be a great help. Dana-Farber’s One-to-One program links trained volunteer cancer survivors with those who are facing it for the first time.

How to communicate with your loved ones after cancer?

Maintain honest, two-way communication with your loved ones, doctors and others after your cancer diagnosis. You may feel particularly isolated if people try to protect you from bad news or if you try to put up a strong front. If you and others express emotions honestly, you can all gain strength from each other.

How to get rid of cancer?

Maintain a healthy lifestyle. This can improve your energy level. Choose a healthy diet consisting of a variety of foods and get adequat e rest in order to help you manage the stress and fatigue of the cancer and its treatment. Exercise and participating in enjoyable activities also may help.

What to expect after cancer diagnosis?

After your cancer diagnosis, you may feel anxious, afraid or overwhelmed and wonder how you can cope during the days ahead.

Why is accepting help important?

Accepting help gives those who care about you a sense of making a contribution at a difficult time. Also encourage your family to accept help if it's needed. A cancer diagnosis affects the entire family and adds stress, especially to the primary caregivers.

How to manage stress during stressful times?

Maintain your normal lifestyle, but be open to modifying it as necessary. Take one day at a time. It's easy to overlook this simple strategy during stressful times. When the future is uncertain, organizing and planning may suddenly seem overwhelming.

Does insurance pay for wigs?

Insurance often helps pay for wigs , prostheses and other adaptive devices. Members of cancer support groups may be particularly helpful in this area and can provide tips that have helped them and others. Also consider how treatment will impact your daily activities.

Can you talk to someone who has cancer?

Sometimes it will feel as if people who haven't experienced a cancer diagnosis can't fully understand how you're feeling. It may help to talk to people who have been in your situation. Other cancer survivors can share their experiences and give you insight into what you can expect during treatment.

What is cancer journey support?

As you find your way along, cancer journey support groups can be excellent resources not only for the information they provide but for the camaraderie of spirit they offer. They can also be helpful at the end of treatment as you find yourself readjusting to everyday life again.

Is cancer a language?

Cancer comes with a language all of its own. We want every cancer patient (or family member) to make informed decisions about their treatment; therefore, it’s important to understand these common cancer terms and phrases.