What to Know About Patient Portals

A patient portal is an internet-based platform that lets you view medical records and connect with your health care professional.When you use the portal, it means you don’t have to call the office to get or request information. This can be a valuable time saver.These free health information hubs have become popular in recent years as more hospitals and clinics offer them to patients.What Is a Patient Portal?A patient portal is a secure website set up by a health care system, hospital, or clinic. The tools (or features) vary, depending on the portal. Patient portals can help you access medical records, set up appointments, communicate with your health care professional, and pay medical bills.Some portals are created exclusively for a hospital or clinic, but there are companies that offer solutions that multiple health care systems can use.Portals are available through a traditional internet browser. Some may also be offered via an app on your smartphone.These online platforms were helpf...