Two of the most buzzed-about words in healthcare today are patient portals and personal health records (PHRs). Both of them have tremendous potential for boosting patient engagement, and it can be difficult to distinguish the differences between the two due to vague definitions and plenty of overlap. What is the difference between patient portals and personal health records?

Patient Health Records

A tethered PHR is an online interface that is directly tied to an electronic health record (EHR), and it allows patients to view and interact with their health data. For example, a patient would be able to quickly see their immunization history or lab results, or due dates for preventative care screenings, safely online. Whenever a patient health record is connected to a medical record, it is considered protected by HIPAA. Depending on who you ask, that definition of PHRs could look very similar to the definition for patient portals.

Patient Portals

Patient portals are secure websites or apps that allow patients access around the clock to their personal health information over an internet connection. Each patient will have a separate secure username and password, and those can be used to see a wide range of information including:

• Notes from recent office visits
• Discharge summaries
• Medications
• Immunizations
• Lab results
• Allergies

Typically, patient portals also go a step beyond PHRs to facilitate greater communication between patients and their healthcare providers. Many patient portals allow patients to:

• Check coverage and benefits
• Update contact information (address, phone number, email, etc.)
• Exchange secure emails with healthcare providers
• Request prescription refills
• Make payments
• Schedule routine, non-urgent appointments
• Download and fill out forms
• Watch educational materials

Patient portals have already been shown to be powerful tools for increasing patient engagement and empowerment. One report from AHIMA found that patients who access health information via portals or PHRs:

• Had broader knowledge of what health concerns they are currently facing
• Improved their health literacy
• Deepened their ability to engage in informed conversations with healthcare providers
• Initiated changes in their life to be healthier
• Decreased their utilization of in-office healthcare services

Learn More About Patient Portals and Personal Health Records with Vetters Enterprises

Vetters Enterprises specializes in practice management, private practice business support and revenue cycle optimization. We can perform in-depth assessments of your practice or facility and identify potential issues. Let us keep your business as healthy as you keep your patients! Give us a call at (443) 352-0088.