Issue link: https://viewer.e-digitaledition.com/i/123777
summary-of-care document after an office visit and patient education. Another Stage 2 measure with a significant impact on patients — and a measure that will likely be met by using a patient portal — is secure messaging. A secure message must be sent by 5% of unique patients seen by each EP. It is defined as any electronic communication between a provider and patient that ensures only those parties can access the communication. Although this can be provided via an email or the electronic messaging function of a personal health record, patients will likely prefer a single point of access to the practice, and the patient portal will best meet this preference. The experiences over the past decade of several health care organizations using these technologies indicate patients enjoy the convenience they provide. Features most often used by patients include viewing lab results, scheduling appointments, using secure messaging with providers and obtaining prescription refills. The improved communication resulting from a portal has been documented as improving disease management for patients with chronic illness, such as diabetes. Portals have also been seen as a factor in improving patients' relationships with their physicians. Among the common concerns patients have, however, are worries about their personal information being available online. Some physicians are also finding that a patient portal can create office efficiencies and more satisfied patients. Instead of multiple missed phone calls and correspondences, information needed by both the patient and the physician is available at the convenience of each, speeding up the entire interaction. Although patient portal products have significant variations in functionality, to meet meaningful use, they must be certified and therefore have all the required capabilities. Most practices will likely opt for using the portal module provided by their electronic health record (EHR) system vendor. There are several reasons for this, including the integration cost of using a third-party system. Most EHR vendors charge an additional fee for use of their portal modules. As meaningful use moves forward into Stages 2 and 3, there will be an increasing focus on engaging patients in their own care, with the ultimate goal of improving clinical outcomes. Considering that personal responsibility has long been identified as an important factor in the quality of one's health, patient portals may in time become one of the most effective tools for improving the health of the nation. John Netti is President of Netti Consulting Services, www.netticonsulting.com, which provides an array of EHR and meaningful use services, as well as President of the Mountain Creek HIPAA Group, www.mchipaagroup.com, which provides privacy, security, breach and risk management services. He can be contacted at jnetti@ netticonsulting.com or (315) 437-4377. I Balancing work, family and college. She found it's not such an impossible dream. Life can be a challenge. But with our personal attention and support, flexible class schedules and true commitment to your success, we'll help make your dream come true. BS HEALTH SERVICES ADMINISTRATION Learn how to lead others on the business side of the growing healthcare industry Prepare for an entry-level administrative position helping to oversee staff, resources and budgets in medical settings such as hospitals, clinics, nursing care facilities, doctors' offices and more Get a comprehensive base in health-related knowledge and concepts, as well as the management of health services and facilities Bryant & Stratton College Personal Education. Lifetime Success.® Since 1854 Syracuse Liverpool Watertown* 1.315.804.4004 www.bryantstratton.edu * For program completion, Watertown & Syracuse Students will be required to take a condensed one course residency in HTHS410 Health Research Methods, is required at our North Campus location. For more information about our graduation rates, the median debt of students who completed the program, and other important information, please visit our website at www.bryantstratton.edu/disclosures. MDNEWS.COM I MD NEWS Central New York |7