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Patient gateways transform the relationship between patients, clients, and healthcare practitioners. This article explores the unique role of stand-alone and EHR-based patient gateways or portals, highlighting their ability to empower patients, foster engagement, and optimize care delivery. It is the first of a two-part series designed to highlight how patient gateways or portals can be pivotal when working with even the most complex situations. While many articles describe how patient gateways and portals can better serve the medical community, this article will also discuss behavioral health, substance use, and mental health applications.
Definition of Patient Gateways or Portals
Patient gateways or portals are digital platforms that provide patients and clients with secure access to their personal health information and facilitate communication with healthcare providers. These portals serve as a central hub where patients can conveniently manage their healthcare. Federal privacy laws protect them, such as HIPAA in the United States and PIPEDA in Canada.
Benefits of Patient Gateways
With the convenience of accessing lab reports, medication details, and immunization records from the comfort of their homes, patients are empowered to participate actively in their healthcare journey.
Seamless Communication and Appointment Management
Patient gateways bridge the gap between patients and healthcare providers, facilitating smooth communication and enhancing engagement. Through secure messaging systems, individuals can directly communicate with their healthcare team, seeking clarifications, discussing concerns, or requesting prescription refills.
Additionally, gateways offer features for online appointment scheduling, eliminating the need for time-consuming phone calls and streamlining the process for patients and providers.
Personalized Health Education and Resources
An informed patient is an empowered patient. Patient gateways act as virtual libraries, providing educational materials,…
