Patient Portal EMR software is a beneficial and versatile tool that supports patients in engaging with their healthcare providers and care team most effectively. Government officials encourage medical practices to use this digital tool to automate administrative and clinical workflows. According to the 2022 Health Information National Trends Survey (HINTS), the number of times patients have accessed Patient portal software has consistently augmented.
What is a Patient Portal EHR Software?
Patient Portal EMR Software is a robust platform designed to enhance how patients communicate and interact with their healthcare providers. There are two types of patient portal systems, a standalone system, and an integrated patient portal software system that comes with an Electronic Medical Records software system or a Practice Management (PM) software system. Some examples of integrated patient portal software include; AdvancedMD EMR Software, athenahealth EMR Software, and DrChrono EHR Software. The patient portals are web-based tools that allow 24/7 accessibility and connectivity.
What are the Major Benefits of Using a Patient Portal EMR Software System?
Patient Portal EHR Software adoption rates are increasing in the United States as more and more patients log onto the portal to interact with their clinicians. The patient portal platform provides great value to both patients and medical practitioners. Let’s look at the major reasons to go for this powerful software solution.
- Encourages better physician and patient relationship – The platform provides a bridge of communication between both parties allowing them to exchange health information and review medical notes. This opportunity to connect keeps patients satisfied throughout their healthcare delivery process.
- Enhance clinical outcomes – The prescription refill and renewal features help to improve medication adherence.
- Automation helps to optimize daily workflows – Automating and digitizing tasks such as billing and scheduling helps staff members focus on patient-related tasks.
Which Functionalities and Features Make Up a Top-Ranked Patient Portal EHR Software System?
To strike the right choice the potential buyer needs to be aware of the common features and tools that are present in a great Patient Portal EMR software solution. The following are the powerful features that patients consider vital in the software system.
- Scheduling appointments online – This feature enables patients to book appointments online in a matter of a few minutes. The patients can set appointments with more than one physician and patients are even provided with available time slot options for the availability of the provider.
- Viewing important health-related information – This includes viewing lab results and or clinical notes with a click. A patient can even instantly message and questions about lab results through the software system, for example, this functionality is offered by Elation Health EHR Software.
- Online bill payment facility – All billing information is provided online and patients can easily pay their bills online without any hassle.
- Ability to attach and scan documents – The best patient portal software allows patients to attach and upload images from results and MRI scans for the doctor to view and comment from the software.
- Automatic alerts when new messages or lab results are received – It can be quite frustrating for patients to deal with a Patient Portal EMR Software that does not send automatic alerts and notifications to patients. Nobody has the time to manually check for new messages or replies.
Final Takeaway
It’s crucial to make sure patients use the Patient Portal EMR Software and aren’t put off by it after it’s been implemented. Hospital administration can instruct staff members on the advantages of the software program so they can effectively explain it to patients. For patients to understand how the patient portal functions, the physician must make an effort to discuss it with them during their visit and provide an in-clinic demonstration.
