Backlash Coming Against Instant Disclosure of Health Records
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mountainmia,
I understand what you’re saying but isn’t the patient responsible for being a participant in their own health care? If actionable information is posted on a patient portal, I suppose a doctors office could call to urge the patient to follow up but at a certain point an adult or designee of the adult needs to participate in decisions or actions that may be medically necessary.
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exbrnxgrl, yes, indeed, the patient has responsibility. At the same time, our levels of ability differ vastly. And still as I said, I want all the info I can get, as immediately as I can get it. As others have said, it's my information. I'm the owner, and it's my right to have it.
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Sometimes I get a call right away after a scan saying that everything is stable. Of course, when I don't hear right away, I start worrying. I use the patient portal to ask questions, too. My MO's nurse is really good about getting back to me. So far, it works for me.
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Being Canadian, I hadn’t thought of financial information. No such thing in our system which is a bit of a shame as I think it would be helpful if some folks knew what medical care costs. But that’s a different thread! 😊.
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My local hospital is so busy and short staffed that all communication is done through the patient portal with provider comments attached to concerning test results unless something life threatening shows up. I did receive a phone call from a nurse when my Hgb dropped over 3 points and they were afraid I had an active GI bleed.
Since it takes at least a month to see any medical provider available (not necessarily someone you have seen before) there is an Urgent Care Clinic where only current patients can show up and wait to see a NP. They do what they can: an ortho asked if I would drive an hour and a half to the main hospital campus to have an MRI done within a week rather than wait 3 months for a local slot. It's no wonder that the ER is always overcrowded and backed up.
I worry that patients who are not computer literate are falling through the cracks. Some of my friends manage their parents' portals for them since it is the only way of finding out important information such as a medication dosage change based on blood test results.
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My current PCP has her nurse call me with blood and urine results as soon as they're available, usually the day after my visit. They have a lousy portal. My MO has her nurse send messages and standard results through the portal, and I get text and email pings to alert me that there's something to see. It's the same system the hospital, imaging center, and my other specialists use, so I have most of my information integrated in one place, which is so handy.
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It occurs to me that patient accessible portals, like many things in our society, are a change in how we communicate. Yes, those who are not computer literate do face a disadvantage and I hope that there is transitional support for them as we are likely not going back to the old ways. Patients and medical professionals have coped with these changes before (think about the advent of single party home telephones) and we will again. Changes, like them or not, are inevitable.
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I currently live in a small town. Used to live in a big city, 20 years ago. I know things have changed over time but at the big city PCP I had an appointment, they did their own blood and uranalysis ( so they could charge the fee) and there was no communication regarding results. In the small town, I go in for blood Etc a few days before my PCP appointment. Now she has something to say to me. It's a much better system for the patient. I think all doctors should do the test they know is needed before the appointment. They can always schedule additional test later. At least on the portals we do get OUR information
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Sadiesservant- I'm always really curious to hear input from those in the NHS system or some other system besides the American healthcare system. I'm pretty frustrated with it a lot of the time. I don't believe the struggles here started with Covid19, I feel that the pandemic blew the lid on what was already a struggling system. Each has its benefits and downfalls I'm sure.
My MO is really great. I don't see him in person often but after every scan result he calls usually that day even though he knows I have probably already seen the results. My primary care NP is also great to respond to portal messages usually same day if not herself than her MA relaying messages. Where I'm at, like everyone I'm sure, we struggle with staffing issues and it takes months to get into a specialist and our hospital boards ED patients for days, only the most critical get beds. The portal has been a great way to get and relay critical info.
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