Metro health my chart review -updated

The advancement of technology, in healthcare has provided patients with ways to retrieve their data. By utilizing patient portals and electronic health records (EHRs) individuals can now access test results, appointment information and medical history online. This enhanced accessibility offers transparency and empowers individuals to take control of their well being.

Embracing the Ease

The main benefit of patient portals is convenience. Instead of calling your doctor’s office or visiting in-person, you can now do many tasks right from your computer or phone. Most portals allow you to:

• Schedule or cancel appointments anytime. No more waiting on hold or taking time off work.
• Refill prescriptions by clicking a button. Avoid trips to the pharmacy.
• View lab results as soon as they become available. No guessing or waiting by the phone.
• Access medical records like immunization history, radiology images, pathology reports and notes from past visits. This information can be invaluable if you switch doctors.
• Communicate with your care team through secure messaging. Get non-urgent questions answered without booking an appointment.

Your Health Hub

A patient portal essentially serves as a personalized health hub. In one convenient online location, you can find details about your medical history, upcoming appointments, recent lab results, immunization records, and more. Portals are connected directly to your EHR at your doctor’s office to surface relevant information. Here are some of the key features available:

• Appointment calendar – View scheduled visits. Cancel or rebook if needed.
• Medication list – See current prescriptions and refill if due. Check for potential interactions.
• Health summary – Outlines medical conditions, procedures, allergies, medications and preventative care due.
• Test results – View lab work, pathology reports, and diagnostic imaging results.
• Visit history – Look up notes and documents from past appointments.

Security and Privacy

Patient portals are designed to be secure and protect your privacy. You need to register and verify your identity to gain access. Communications within the portal are encrypted. Any medical data is covered by HIPAA laws. You control what information is shared through the portal. Family members or caregivers can be given access if you wish. Or you can limit access only to yourself.

Partner in Your Care

Accessing your records online makes you an empowered, engaged participant in your care. Being able to review test results as soon as they become available means you don’t have to anxiously wait for a call from your doctor. You can come to appointments better prepared with questions based on your latest lab results and health data. Portals enable better care coordination if you see multiple providers. Any doctor on your care team can access your consolidated medical history if you give permission through the health information exchange connected to the portal.

The Future is Now

Online patient portals are a growing trend in healthcare. According to recent surveys, over 50% of patients now use a portal to access their health information. This number will likely continue growing as more providers make them available. Portals provide an easy way to directly communicate with your doctor for non-urgent needs instead of booking an appointment. Features like e-prescriptions and medical billing make managing your healthcare convenient. As telehealth becomes more popular, portals also facilitate virtual visits. Providers can share visit notes, lab orders and video call links via the portal. The future is now. Take charge of your health with just a click.

The benefits of electronic health records for healthcare providers and patients