A patient portal allows them to access their medical data instantly and connect with their healthcare providers. A survey shows that more than 50% of patients use online portals to access their data, and about 90% of doctors have implemented electronic healthcare tools. On the other hand, the US government is also encouraging the use of electronic health records, EHR, pursuant to the 21st Century Cures Act.
What is a Patient Medical Portal?
A Medical Portal is software that a patient, legal guardian or Caregiver can access as a secure online resource that is available 24/7/365. The patient can address various healthcare needs, including viewing and managing their health information. There are two kinds of patient portals: a Standalone System and a combined service.
Standalone Patient Portal
A Standalone Patient Portal typically uses a third-party vendor which hosts a standalone portal through the cloud. The Standalone portal usually offers more features; but, it may have problems integrating with your EHR system. Using an EHR system will require you to integrate it manually. Moreover, you’ll pay an additional cost to third-party vendors for the process. In addition, any changes made to the software will require modification within the patient portal to run smoothly.
Combined Patient Portal
A combined patient portal is integrated as an EHR system or practice management software feature. Patient portals can accomplish multiple tasks effortlessly.
- Easy to use two-way communication with an ophthalmologist’s office.
- Interaction between patients and their ophthalmic physicians, including prescription and document sharing.
- Scheduling appointments.
- Patients can view their ophthalmologic reports and charts instantly.
Benefits of Patient Portals:
Investing in a patient portal implements a customer-centric approach that dominates modern healthcare. Let’s dive into the specific advantages of patient portal software.
Growth for a Healthcare Facility
A patient portal gives more patients easy and secure access to their healthcare information. A healthcare facility can efficiently serve a significant number of clients effortlessly since the portal can be a built-in feature of the EHR like Doctorsoft’s cloud-based device and browser-agnostic ophthalmic EHR.
Accelerated Workflow
- The patient portal makes practice management more efficient by reducing a patient’s wait time in a provider’s office and helps expedite the registration process by filling out information electronically.
- Providers can conveniently resolve urgent queries through e-mails or messages. For example, suggesting an immediate appointment to discuss abnormal lab results. This saves time for further resource planning for practices.
Things to Consider When Creating a Custom Patient Portal
- A User-Friendly – interface should bridge the user and the system. It involves easy navigation and effective functioning of the patient portal. For instance, the language has to be simple, understandable and thought not only for providers but also for patients using devices at home.
- Secured Communication – Ongoing communications by secure messaging can build strong bonds between patients and doctors. It strengthens trust and encourages patients to approach the same practice for future care.
- Quick Online Registration – Filling out digital registration forms saves time, reduces the risk of mistakes, and improves patient flow.
- Application programming Interface – (API) integration allows connecting personal health solutions, such as glucose monitors, with EHR software to sync patients’ health data.
- Notifications –Many patients wish to get notified about their lab results, upcoming appointments, or prescription refills. This helps save time by automating the process and ensuring patients are kept in the loop.
- Access to Resources –.The educational content available in patient portals can help patients to take an active role in their care. They can have reliable information about their health and medications.
Adopting and using a patient portal can initiate higher patient engagement and a more streamlined workflow. It saves time and effort for staff and providers. Doctorsoft offers a patient portal at no additional cost. Contact us to learn more about the role of a patient portal in establishing your practice.