PATIENT PORTALS PATIENT SAFETY

John Whelan Solicitor with specialist expertise in Patient Safety and Medical Negligence explains about Patient Portals and how they benefit a Patient.  

Patient Portals are secure online platforms that provide Patients with access to their personal health information and medical records. These portals are typically offered by healthcare providers, clinics, or hospitals and are designed to enhance Patient engagement, improve communication, and make it easier for individuals to manage their health.

Here are the main features of Patient Portals:

1. Access to Health Information: Patients can view their medical history, lab results, diagnoses, medications, and immunisations.
2. Appointment Management: Patients can schedule, reschedule, or cancel appointments online.
3. Secure Messaging: Allows Patients to communicate with their healthcare providers, ask questions, or request prescription refills securely.
4. Prescription Management: Patients can view current prescriptions and request refills or check for updates.
5. Billing and Payments: Some portals provide access to billing information, allow Patients to view outstanding balances, and make payments online.
6. Health Education Resources: Often, portals include educational materials or resources tailored to the Patient’s health conditions.
7. Test Results: Patients can view lab test results and track their health metrics over time.
8. Privacy and Security: Patient Portals have to ensure that sensitive health information is protected.

Patient Portals are part of the broader movement toward digital health and empower Patients by giving them more control and insight into their medical care.

For more detailed insights into how the Patient Safety Act 2023 impacts you and how Whelan Law can support you, please visit our Patient Safety Rights Legal Advice <https://www.whelanlaw.ie/services/advice-on-patient-safety-notifiable-incidents-and-open-disclosure-act-2023/