Online Patient Portal and why clinics need one

The global digital healthcare market comprising of big data, cloud, and electronic health record (EHR) products is expected to reach nearly USD 3.3 trillion by 2025. The growing figures indicate that more hospitals, medical laboratories, and clinics continue to embrace digital systems. 

Among the most notable and popular digital healthcare services is the online patient portal. Let’s explore what a healthcare portal does and how its various functions mutually benefit patients and healthcare providers. 

What is an online patient portal? 

An online patient portal is a web-based platform where patients can interact with a healthcare provider and share essential medical and health information. However, a healthcare portal is so much more than just a website or smartphone app – the interactive UI is just the tip of the iceberg. 

For starters, the data collected through such portals is evaluated using AI and big data analytic tools. From the results, healthcare providers can personalize treatments and care for every patient. On top of that, the aggregated data can be shared and repurposed across various platforms, saving valuable time and minimizing redundancies and errors. EHRs alone often help medical practitioners make quick critical decisions in high-stakes medical emergencies. 

Key features of a patient portal 

Online patient portals come with all sorts of bells and whistles. But, it's essential to focus on the vital features and functions that bring the most value to both the patient and healthcare provider. 

Here is a list of must-have features on any EHR-based patient portal: 

• Scheduling and appointments 
• Registration, pre-visit, and pre-service fill out forms 
• Prescription checks, refills, and requests 
• Online billing and payments with insurance integration 
• Clinical summary and medical history information 
• Lab and diagnostic test results 
• Real-time notifications, alerts, and news 
• Health trackers 
• Patients’ education materials 
• Instant communications tools and contacts directory 
• Enhanced privacy and security 

Besides the essential functionalities, an online healthcare portal should also be easy to use, interactive, universally accessible, and designed with the patient’s best interests in mind. 

Benefits of an online patient portal 

Patient portals have proved essential tools in an increasingly data-driven world. Here are some reasons why you should include one in your practice. 

Value to patients 

• Better patient-physician communication and relationship 
• Easy and fast 24/7 access to medical information and services 
• Streamlined registration and administrative tasks 
• Greater focus on personalized patient care 
• Accurate diagnosis, treatments, and medications 
• Improved clinical outcomes 

Value to healthcare business 

• Simplified automated workflows 
• Easy access to curated patients’ information for big-picture analysis and research 
• Optimized service delivery 
• Extended reach to more customers 
• Efficient online payment options and revenue cycle management 
• Increased patient loyalty and trust 

In general, a patient portal is a great way to increase engagements, improve service delivery and workflows, and enhance the overall patient experience. But above all, a data-driven treatment approach could make all the difference in a life-or-death situation. 

Challenges with patient portal adoption 

Digital transformation in the healthcare sector may seem inevitable, but there are still major hurdles that healthcare providers and patients must overcome to realize fully digitized healthcare services. 

Reluctance to change 

Some healthcare providers are so set in their conservative ways that they fail to see the real value of digitization. Many fear digital transformation because they don’t understand its potential. The truth is, digital investments more than make up for the time, money, and effort they consume. And the more you wait, the more you lose in the long run. 

Slow patient adoption 

A recent study in the U.S. revealed that although most hospitals now provide patient portal access, fewer than expected patients actually take up the offer. It takes time for patients to come around and start using EHR services. However, the patient adoption rate could rise if more patients understood the importance and benefits of healthcare portals. 

Security concerns 

Data protection and privacy are valid concerns given the prevalence of cybercrimes targeting the healthcare industry. Moreover, the collection, use, and disclosure of personal health information are governed by strict regulations. Among them is the Personal Health Information Protection Act (PHIPA) in Ontario, Canada, and the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) for those doing business in the U.S. Plus, any Canadian companies involved in handling personal information must also abide by PIPEDA regulations. Compliance with these security standards is mandatory. 

The way forward 

Every business has unique digital requirements. And although all patient portals appear to serve the same purpose, generic designs may not suit every practice. A custom patient portal is the best way to ensure that all your business’s and patients’ needs are covered. More importantly, the UI and clockwork beneath the system must comply with the specific industrial and legal standards required of your practice. 

Get in touch with us and start building a fitting patient portal for your business, one guaranteed to match your unique clientele and abide by data security regulations. 

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