In 2023, 44% of surveyed physicians reported using telemedicine on a weekly basis. However, the increasing usage of telehealth has created new challenges for healthcare providers, specifically bridging the gap between providing high-quality patient care remotely and in-office visits.
Even before the outbreak of COVID-19, virtual care and telehealth were steadily increasing in the U.S., and the numbers have maintained since the pandemic. In 2023, 44% of surveyed physicians reported using telemedicine on a weekly basis. However, the increasing usage of telehealth has created new challenges for healthcare providers, specifically bridging the gap between providing high-quality patient care remotely and in-office visits. This is where patient portals step in, acting as the bridge between patients and their healthcare providers.
From streamlining communication to providing effective tools to enhance the patient experience, here are seven ways patient portals support better quality virtual care.
1. Streamlined Communication Through Secure Messaging
Communication is the foundation of effective healthcare—especially in virtual settings. Patient portals enable secure messaging between patients and their healthcare providers, ensuring privacy and compliance with HIPAA standards. Patients can easily ask questions, provide updates, and get clarifications—directly within the platform, eliminating some of the need for phone calls or in-person visits.
In fact, 77% of patients reported that secure messaging in patient portals made them feel more connected to their healthcare provider, improving their overall satisfaction with virtual care.
2. Access to Medical Records Anytime, Anywhere
In today’s digital age, consumers expect instant access to information, including healthcare records. Patient portals provide a user-friendly way to view their medical history, including past diagnoses, treatment plans, medication information, and clinical notes. The ONC reported that six in ten patients access their medical records before or during virtual visits. The convenient, easy access empowers patients to make informed decisions about their health, ensuring continuity of care during virtual appointments.
3. Convenient Prescription Management
Patient portals make managing prescriptions easier than ever. Patients can review their medications and request refills without leaving their homes. Providers have an easier way to manage and review medications, decreasing the likelihood of prescription abuse. Additionally, the convenience reduces delays in care, ensures medication adherence, and minimizes unnecessary office visits.
4. Real-Time Lab Results
Another key benefit of patient portals is the ability to receive real-time lab results. According to a survey of 8,000 patients, 96% preferred receiving immediately released test results online. By interfacing with labs, patient portals deliver results directly to patients — often before they receive a call from their provider. This gives individuals the chance to review their results and come prepared with questions for their virtual appointment.
5. Mobile Capabilities for Flexibility
Whether it’s through a mobile app or a desktop version, patient portals give people the flexibility to access their health information from any device. One study found that more than half (52,8%) of respondents accessed a patient portal from a mobile app at least once a month. This highlights the necessity for mobile flexibility, as patients may need to check their medical records, message their provider, or attend appointments on the go.
6. Seamless Appointment Scheduling
Scheduling appointments no longer requires phone calls or long hold times. With patient portals, patients can book, reschedule, or cancel appointments online with just a few clicks. This feature is crucial for virtual care because it allows patients to manage their appointments efficiently without the hassle of coordinating over the phone. In fact, 80% of patients prefer seeing a physician who offers online scheduling, meaning the feature can give providers a leg up on the competition.
7. Telehealth Integration
One of the biggest advancements in patient portals is their ability to integrate telehealth services. Using a patient portal like RXNT’s, patients can launch virtual appointments directly from the portal using the practice’s preferred video service, and providers can document these encounters side-by-side with patient interactions. Creating this kind of seamless telehealth experience helps make virtual encounters as streamlined as possible.
Unlock the Benefits of a Patient Portal
Patient portals are integral to delivering high-quality virtual care. By offering patients secure communication, easy access to records, prescription management, real-time lab results, and seamless appointment scheduling, patient portals enhance the patient experience and contribute to better healthcare outcomes. As the demand for virtual care grows, patient portals will only become more important in supporting a patient-centered approach to healthcare.
With RXNT, taking virtual care to the next level is easy. Our platform weaves telehealth directly into your healthcare facility, allowing your patients to schedule appointments, securely message providers, and access crucial medical info—all in one place. For providers, all patient information is available directly within the platform—everything is available and up-to-date right where you need it, whenever you need it.
Ready to see what more RXNT can do? Schedule a demo today.
