Using the patient portal at your doctor’s office can save you time and effort–are you making the most of this helpful tool?
This step-by-step guide will walk you through how to access your health information and make the most of this free resource offered by most healthcare providers.
Patient Portal Use: The Basics
There are many benefits to accessing the patient portal at your doctor’s office.
A patient portal is a secure website or app provided by your healthcare provider where you can access important information such as:
- Your health records and information
- Appointment scheduling and cancellations
- Test and screening results
- A direct line to ask questions
It is not a replacement for your doctor, but rather a tool for connecting with them more easily and on your own schedule.
According to the U.S. Assistant Secretary for Technology Policy, nearly 40% of individuals used their portal in 2020, showing the growing popularity of this helpful tool. If you have a child under the age of 18, you may have access their patient portal, as well.
How to Access Your Patient Portal: Step-by-Step Guide
Before you can access your patient portal, you must first sign up and grant permission for your records to be accessed electronically. You’ll need a device such as a computer or smart phone and access to the internet.
While each healthcare provider has its own specific policies, here are the basic steps you can expect to take.
- First, speak with your healthcare provider at your appointment or via email about accessing your portal. They might include printed instructions as part of your in-person visit summary. These instructions might include a website, link or activation code or QR code.
- Next, download the app or follow the link or code to your provider’s portal.
- Once you’ve confirmed you are in the right place, enter your personal details to create an account. Choose a strong password and make sure it’s written down or saved in your phone or web browser. You may be asked to confirm your identity through a verification email or text.
- Now you are ready to use your patient portal to access your records, schedule an appointment and more.
If you are having trouble logging in or need further assistance, give your provider a call. They will likely have someone on staff who is prepared to troubleshoot or walk you through the process in more detail.
Getting the Most from Your Patient Portal
There are many reasons to use your portal to stay up-to-date with your doctor and health information.
Ask Questions Directly. Most patient portals allow you to send a secure message to your provider, which can be helpful for non-urgent medical questions. You can send it during your convenience even when the office is closed, and sometimes even get a response outside of regular office hours. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, do not use your patient portal–instead, call 911 immediately.
Find Medical Records. Not sure when you got your last tetanus shot? Trying to remember your child’s height from their last appointment? Logging into the patient portal can help you quickly and easily access these records without waiting for a call back from your provider’s office.
Pay Bills Online. Many portals will allow you to securely pay bills online, sometimes even ahead of your appointment.
Other Considerations
While using a patient portal is easy and convenient, there may be times when it’s best to communicate with your doctor more directly, including:
Test Results. If you recently went in for a test or screening such as a mammogram, your results will often be posted on the patient portal before your provider has a chance to call and discuss with you. While it can be tempting to find out the results as soon as possible, use discretion when finding results this way. There may be missing context your doctor needs to share and reading results prematurely can cause anxiety.
Urgent Concerns. If you are experiencing an urgent issue, call your doctor directly or dial 911 for immediate assistance. While many providers monitor these inboxes and respond promptly, they might be checking it at certain intervals. When in doubt, don’t hesitate to call. It’s what your provider is there for.
Get Connected at ACV Health
While there are times when it’s best to communicate in-person, patient portals can improve communication between you and your provider. Signing up only takes a few minutes and can save you a lot of time and effort over time, helping you get the most out of your relationship with your primary care doctor.
Our mission at ACV Health, an outreach of Advent Christian Village, is to provide compassionate care to those who need it in Live Oak, Florida. Patients experience the warmth of a small-town doctor’s office backed by the resources of a larger provider, including the convenience of a patient portal. Our services range from primary and specialty care to rehabilitation and home health.
Through our partner providers at the Copeland Medical Center, we also offer family dentistry, audiology, podiatry and more. Request an appointment today to get started.
DISCLAIMER: This blog is not intended as medical advice. If you have questions related to your health, please speak with health care professional. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 immediately.
