Patient Portals And Communication

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Patient Portals and Communication
Technology is a driving force in our society. People can now manage their bank accounts, pay bills, and get their news with the click of the mouse. It only makes sense that the health care industry would join in on these web-based initiatives. More and more providers are using online patient portals as a means for communicating with patients and allowing them to have access to important health information. While patient portals are still in their emerging stages, positive results are being reported from patients and healthcare professionals alike. Online patient portals allow more effective communications between patients and their healthcare professionals by developing stronger, more utilized relationships and by creating a way to get information out to patients more efficiently. Through this enhanced communication there will be patients that are more actively engaged in their treatment, have stronger relationships with their healthcare professionals, and in many cases have improved medical conditions.
Online patient portals are being utilized at health care offices and hospitals across the country. A patient portal is a secured website in which patients can email their providers, view and pay bills, request appointments, research health topics, review personal information, complete medical forms, and update their profiles and contact information (Ellis). In addition, some patient portals offer health monitoring tools, such as food diaries, body mass index calculators, depression screenings, and personalized plans to help patients quit smoking or lose weight (“The Doctor Will E-Mail You Now”). These portals provide a new method for patients to stay connected to their health care professionals ...

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...ent portal is explained and subsequently begin using the secured messaging feature (“Meaningful Use Case Studies”). These kiosks can also be used as a patient education tool, so that patients can learn more about their health while they are in the office (“Meaningful Use Case Studies”).
Communication and strong patient-provider relationships are two key aspects of a successful health care organization. Patient portals provide the technology to improve both of these aspects to create the most effective and personalized care for the patient. Successful communications strategies are imperative to health care organizations because the patient’s health depends on it. Patient portals create an efficient environment in which the patient feels connected to their health care provider and communication is effectively driven through interaction both in and out of the office.

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