Active Patient Portal Use on the Rise, Empowering Patients to Manage Health
There has been a significant shift towards active self-management of health and wellness among patients, as reported by the U.S. Health and Human Services’ Assistant Secretary for Technology Policy and the Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT.
According to data from ASTP/ONC, patient portal utilization has more than doubled since the pre-pandemic rate of 15% in 2019. The latest report reveals that over one-third of individuals (34%) are frequent portal users, accessing their electronic health records six or more times in the past year.
Importance of Patient Portal Use
The latest Health Information National Trends Survey (HINTS 7) shows that more than three-quarters of individuals nationwide, 77%, were offered online access to their health information in 2024, a significant increase from 73% in 2022. This survey, conducted by the National Cancer Institute, focuses on understanding public access to cancer information.
Chelsea Richwine, an ASTP/ONC researcher, highlighted the findings in a recent blog post, emphasizing that the increased access to electronic health information empowers patients to make informed decisions about their health and care. The implementation of the Cures Act Final Rule has played a crucial role in enhancing access by requiring health IT developers to implement secure, standards-based APIs.
Key uses of patient portals in 2024 included viewing laboratory test results (90%), clinical notes (80%), messaging providers (79%), and scheduling appointments (77%). Individuals managing chronic conditions or recent cancer diagnoses showed higher engagement with accessing electronic health information.
Enhanced Access and Adoption
Over the years, there has been a substantial increase in the adoption of electronic health records (EHRs) among hospitals and physicians, thanks to federal incentives and efforts to promote interoperability. Despite these advancements, there are persistent disparities in portal activation rates that need to be addressed to ensure broader access.
The HINTS 2024 survey, conducted between March and September of the previous year, gathered responses from 7,278 individuals, with a response rate of 27.3%. The survey results provide valuable insights into the trends and patterns of patient portal utilization.
Future Outlook
Continued efforts are required to bridge the digital divide and ensure that all patients have access to their electronic health information. By leveraging digital tools and patient portals, healthcare organizations can empower individuals to take control of their health and well-being.
For more information on healthcare IT and patient empowerment, stay tuned for the latest updates from Healthcare IT News.
For inquiries, contact Andrea Fox, Senior Editor of Healthcare IT News, at [email protected]