what is a patient portal for clinics

by Travon Gusikowski Sr. 7 min read

What is a patient portal? | HealthIT.gov

35 hours ago Sep 29, 2017 · A patient portal is a secure online website that gives patients convenient, 24-hour access to personal health information from anywhere with an Internet connection. Using a secure username and password, patients can view health information such as: Recent doctor visits; Discharge summaries; Medications; Immunizations; Allergies; Lab results >> Go To The Portal


Patient portals are healthcare -related online applications that allow patients to interact and communicate with their healthcare providers, such as physicians and hospitals. Typically, portal services are available on the Internet at all hours of the day and night.

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. Many providers now offer patient portals.Aug 13, 2020

Full Answer

How do you set up a patient portal?

Sep 29, 2017 · A patient portal is a secure online website that gives patients convenient, 24-hour access to personal health information from anywhere with an Internet connection. Using a secure username and password, patients can view health information such as: Recent doctor visits; Discharge summaries; Medications; Immunizations; Allergies; Lab results

What are the benefits of a patient portal?

Dec 02, 2021 · Patient portals improve the way in which patients and health care providers interact. A product of meaningful use requirements, they were mandated as a way to provide patients with timely access to their health care. Specifically, patient portals give patients access to their health information to take a more active role.

What are the advantages of patient portal?

Aug 08, 2017 · A patient portal is an application that allows patients to have access to parts of their medical records from their primary care doctor, specialists, or other Healthcare organizations. Patients log into patient portals from either a PC, a tablet, or a smartphone.

What is patient portal and how can it help?

Feb 10, 2021 · My Clinic Care (patient portal) allows you to access your health information, request appointments, email your provider, and request prescription refills. For all questions related to My Clinic Care (patient portal) or to sign-up, please contact our portal hotline at 406-771-3031 or email us at PatientPortal.Support@gfclinic.com. Post navigation.

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What is the purpose of a patient portal?

A patient portal is a secure online website that gives patients convenient, 24-hour access to personal health information from anywhere with an Internet connection. Using a secure username and password, patients can view health information such as: Recent doctor visits.Sep 29, 2017

What types of patient portals are there?

There are two main types of patient portals: a standalone system and an integrated service. Integrated patient portal software functionality usually comes as a part of an EMR system, an EHR system or practice management software. But at their most basic, they're simply web-based tools.Feb 12, 2021

Who uses patient portals?

Overwhelmingly, patients use the portal to view their lab results (85 percent). Sixty-two percent of patients are also using the tool for more clinical tasks, such as scheduling appointments, completing paperwork, and refilling prescriptions.Apr 16, 2018

What is another name for patient portal?

“Tethered PHRs, also known as patient portals, allow patients to access relevant medical information from their provider,” the team wrote in its abstract.Feb 17, 2017

What should be included in a patient portal?

A robust patient portal should include the following features:Clinical summaries.Secure (HIPAA-compliant) messaging.Online bill pay.New patient registration.Ability to update demographic information.Prescription renewals and contact lens ordering.Appointment requests.Appointment reminders.More items...

How do you make a patient portal?

4 Steps to Successful Patient Portal Adoption, IntegrationOutline clinic or hospital needs, goals.Select a patient portal vendor.Create provider buy-in.Market the patient portal to end-users.Jun 6, 2017

Why do patients not use patient portals?

The researchers found no demographic differences among nonusers who said that a technology hurdle, lack of internet access or no online medical record was the reason why they did not make use of a patient portal.May 14, 2019

How secure are patient portals?

A patient portal is a secure online website that allows patients to access their Electronic Health Record from any device with an Internet connection. ... Halfway through 2019, around 25 million patient records have been breached, eclipsing the number of patient records breached in all of 2018 by over 66%.Jul 31, 2019

What are the disadvantages of patient portals?

Even though they should improve communication, there are also disadvantages to patient portals....Table of ContentsGetting Patients to Opt-In.Security Concerns.User Confusion.Alienation and Health Disparities.Extra Work for the Provider.Conclusion.Nov 11, 2021

What information is excluded from a patient portal?

However, it also had to exclude behavioral health, protected minor visits, research records, business records, and other sensitive record content. The portal automatically downloads or excludes documents based on type or provider, says Meadows, who helped solidify a process for integrating the portal with the EHR.

What are the benefits and challenges of using patient portals?

What are the Top Pros and Cons of Adopting Patient Portals?Pro: Better communication with chronically ill patients.Con: Healthcare data security concerns.Pro: More complete and accurate patient information.Con: Difficult patient buy-in.Pro: Increased patient ownership of their own care.Feb 17, 2016

Is patient portal an app?

The patient portal is also available through a mobile app called PortalConnect. This increases convenience for patients as they can have secure access to all this important information from wherever they are.

What is progress note?

The progress note is written in medical terminology, and is not directed toward the patient. A patient can specifically request to view progress notes through formal records requests, but this is not a routine practice for most patients.

What is portal in EHR?

In the EHR model, the portal is an extension of a vendor’s core electronic health record system. A Healthcare organization will usually launch the portal at the same time or shortly after the activation of the core EHR. Most of the data that patients see when they log into the portal is only from that organization’s system.

How long does an authorization code last?

The authorization code automatically expires if they don’t finish the process, usually from between 14 and 30 days. Healthcare organizations who are trying to increase their portal sign-up ratio prefer the first option because it gets the sign-up process out of the way.

What is meaningful use?

Meaningful use is the Federal legislation that mandates the use of Healthcare Technology for most providers in the US. It has three stages phased in over several years. Each stage has requirements that increase from previous stages.

What is a patient portal?

Patient portals are healthcare -related online applications that allow patients to interact and communicate with their healthcare providers, such as physicians and hospitals . Typically, portal services are available on the Internet at all hours of the day and night. Some patient portal applications exist as stand-alone web sites ...

How do patient portals benefit patients?

Patient portals benefit both patients and providers by increasing efficiency and productivity. Patient portals are also regarded as a key tool to help physicians meet "meaningful use" requirements in order to receive federal incentive checks, especially for providing health information to patients.

Is a patient portal HIPAA compliant?

While there may be systems that are not HIPAA compliant, certainly most patient and practice portals are secure and compliant with HIPAA regulations. The use of SSL and access control patterns are commonplace in the industry. Patient access is typically validated with a user name and password.

What are the shortcomings of a patient portal?

The major shortcoming of most patient portals is their linkage to a single health organization. If a patient uses more than one organization for healthcare, the patient normally needs to log on to each organization's portal to access information. This results in a fragmented view of individual patient data.

What is HIPAA regulation?

Health care providers in the US are bound to comply with HIPAA regulations. These regulations specify what patient information must be held in confidence. Something as seemingly trivial as a name is viewed by HIPAA as protected health information.

What is e-visit?

E-visits (remote use of medical services) may soon become one of the most commonly used options of patient portals. The most likely demographic for uptake of e-visits are patients who live in remote rural areas, far from clinical services.

How much money is the HITECH Act?

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA), in particular the HITECH Act within ARRA, sets aside approximately $19 billion for health information technology. This funding will potentially offset the costs of electronic medical record systems for practicing physicians.

What is the PHMG strategy?

PHMG had a strategy of ensuring that patients hear about the portal from multiple sources during each clinical visit. To execute this strategy, PHMG used several methods of communication, including:

When did PHMG start patient portal?

PHMG launched the patient portal in early 2010. As a first step, the physician champion piloted the portal for about 6 months before it was implemented in one clinic at a time. According to the physician champion, implementation was “easier than expected because everyone was already comfortable with eClinicalWorks, ...

Is the portal easy to use?

It’s really very easy to use. If you use the Internet, you’ll most likely find the portal helpful and easy to navigate. They found that it is particularly persuasive when providers encourage patients to use the portal because patients trust providers and value their opinions.

What are the challenges of the portal?

One major challenge with the portal is the multiple step registration process . Patients provide their e‐mail address at the front desk and are given a password to register from home. Some patients fail to complete the registration process after leaving the clinic. Remembering and managing passwords and managing family accounts are also challenging for patients. For example, a parent may log in for one child and then ask questions about a second child. For providers and staff, a challenge is that there is no way to know whether a Web‐enabled patient actually uses the portal and there are no read receipts to confirm that patients have read a message.

When did PHMG implement EHR?

In 2007 PHMG implemented an EHR system, eClinicalWorks, as part of a strategy to improve quality of care and facilitate coordination of care across its multiple clinic locations. In preparing for implementation, PHMG proceeded with:

What is intakeq?

IntakeQ provides beautiful and secure electronic intake forms for health professionals, enabling them to offer an amazing onboarding experience, while also optimizing and streamlining the intake process. As a bonus, IntakeQ also offers powerful practice management features, including scheduling, payment, appointment reminders, secure messaging, telehealth, invoicing and insurance billing. Affordable pricing, 14-day free trial, no credit card required, no software to install. Learn more about IntakeQ

What is simple practice?

Automate your billing, easily file insurance claims, and streamline your client communication with the Client Portal . Enable Online Booking to let your clients easily request appointments, and then approve or deny all requests. Plus, send paperless intakes to your clients, upload resources, send secure messages, and collect payments-all in one place. Learn more about SimplePractice

What is Ambra Health?

Ambra Health is a cloud-based medical data and image management company. Intuitive, scalable and highly interoperable, the Ambra cloud platform is designed to serve as the backbone of imaging innovation and progress for healthcare providers. Patient portal image enablement provides a simple alternative to image distribution via CD. Patients are given the ability to create an account to upload imaging, store their priors, and view imaging in a personal health record. Learn more about Ambra Health

What is Caspio platform?

Caspio is the world's leading LOW-CODE platform for building compliant patient portal applications without having to write code. Ranked a 'Leader' by Forrester Research, Caspio empowers you to collaborate efficiently, manage patients effectively, and deliver personalized care using a customizable all-in-one platform that's built to meet the specific needs of your organization; all without the IT overhead. See why Caspio is trusted by leading healthcare organizations. Try Caspio for FREE. Learn more about Caspio

What is cipher outreach?

With CipherOutreach, health systems scale targeted and purposeful outreach across the continuum of care encompassing preventive outreach, post-discharge and post-visit follow up, episodic outreach, and care recordings. Ranked as the KLAS Category Leader for Patient Outreach in 2018 and 2019, CipherOutreach's automated call and text programs ensure that all patients receive proactive outreach during critical care transitions. Learn more about CipherOutreach

What is a petal appointment?

Instead of sending an appointment request to administrative staff, the Petal platform integrates with the existing system to enable the patient to make an appointment in real time. Administrative staff are no longer interrupted in their work, operations are simplified, and the patient care pathway is improved. Learn more about PetalBooking

FOR ANDROID PHONE USERS

STEP 1: Once you are logged in you will see your Virtual Visit Check in, select this.

What is the My Clinic Care Patient Portal?

The My Clinic Care patient portal provides you with confidential and secure online access to your health information. From the convenience of your home or on your mobile device, you can access test results, your medical history, upcoming appointments, medications and allergies.

Where does my health information on My Clinic Care patient portal come from?

All of the information contained in your profile on the My Clinic Care patient portal is information from your Great Falls Clinic electronic health record.

Is there a fee to use the My Clinic Care patient portal?

No, use of the My Clinic Care patient portal is provided free of charge to any patients of Great Falls Clinic.

How can I get registered to use the My Clinic Care patient portal?

There are several ways for you to register for the My Clinic Care patient portal. Upon patient registration, you will be asked if you would like to register also for the My Clinic Care patient portal. The other opportunity is to activate your account online. You can also contact us at (406) 771-3031 or at PatientPortal.Support@gfclinic.com.

Can my family access my health information?

In addition to having access to your own health information, the My Clinic Care patient portal also allows you to grant others, as you wish, to have access to your health information. Individuals at least 18 years old can be given proxy access to your health records with an authorized consent to help manage your care.

Who do I contact for possible errors in my record?

Your information on the My Clinic Care patient portal comes directly from your electronic health record. If you find errors, please ask your physician’s office to correct any inaccurate information at your next clinic visit. We are working diligently to update all Great Falls Clinic into a cohesive electronic health record.

TOL Secure Patient Portal

The TOL Patient Portal (also referred to as "TRICARE Online" or "TOL") is the current secure patient portal that gives registered users access to online health care information and services at military hospitals and clinics.

MHS GENESIS Patient Portal

MHS GENESIS is the new secure patient portal for TRICARE. It will eventually deploy to all military medical and dental facilities worldwide and replace the TOL Patient Portal.

Using MHS GENESIS and TOL Together

If you’re already a registered user on the TOL Secure Patient Portal, MHS GENESIS works much the same way.

Log in to your Secure Patient Portal

If your military hospital or clinic uses TOL, click here to log in: >>TRICARE Online

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Overview

Features and benefits

The central feature that makes any system a patient portal is the ability to expose individual patient health information in a secure manner through the Internet. In addition, virtually all patient portals allow patients to interact in some way with health care providers. Patient portals benefit both patients and providers by increasing efficiency and productivity. Patient portals are also regarded as a key tool to help physicians meet "meaningful use" requirements in order to receiv…

Disadvantages

The major shortcoming of most patient portals is their linkage to a single health organization. If a patient uses more than one organization for healthcare, the patient normally needs to log on to each organization's portal to access information. This results in a fragmented view of individual patient data.

Practice portals

Portal applications for individual practices typically exist in tandem with patient portals, allowing access to patient information and records, as well as schedules, payments, and messages from patients. Most patient portals require the practice to have some type of electronic medical record or patient management system, as the patient data needs to be stored in a data repository then retrieved by the patient portal. While lauding its ease-of-use, some physicians note that it is har…

Security

Health care providers in the US are bound to comply with HIPAA regulations. These regulations specify what patient information must be held in confidence. Something as seemingly trivial as a name is viewed by HIPAA as protected health information. For this reason, security has always been a top concern for the industry when dealing with the adoption of patient portals. While there may be systems that are not HIPAA compliant, certainly most patient and practice portals are se…

History

Internet portal technology has been in common use since the 1990s. The financial industry has been particularly adept at using the Internet to grant individual users access to personal information. Possibly because of the strictness of HIPAA regulations, or the lack of financial incentives for the health care providers, the adoption of patient portals has lagged behind other market segments.

Future

E-visits (remote use of medical services) may soon become one of the most commonly used options of patient portals. The most likely demographic for uptake of e-visits are patients who live in remote rural areas, far from clinical services. An Internet session would be much cheaper and more convenient than traveling a long distance, especially for simple questions or minor medical complaints.

Vendors

Some vendors, such as athenahealth, Epic Systems and Cerner offer patient portals as one module of a complete Electronic Health Record (EHR) system. Other vendors, such as Allscripts and Medfusion, offer patient portals that can be integrated with any EHR.
Recent market surveys have highlighted best of breed, or applications that excel at one or two functions, are losing ground to portals provided by large vendors. While best of breed portals ar…