35 percent of Americans don’t realize patient portals exist

The majority of people surveyed (64 percent) reported they do not use online patient portals. Among that group, 35 percent didn’t even know patient portals existed. However, 57 percent of that majority reported they would take more interest in their personal healthcare if they had digital access to EHRs, according to the survey.

The survey also included the following findings:

• 31 percent of respondents who do not use online patient portals said they have not talked about the technology with their physician.
• 59 percent of those who do use portals reported greater interest in their own healthcare after using the technology.
• 83 percent of respondents ages 55 to 64 already use patient portals or would like to use patient portals to communicate with healthcare providers, making baby boomers the most eager group to utilize online patient portal communication.
• 70 percent of respondents ages 55 to 64 would use patient portals to schedule appointments, view test results (64 percent), ask physicians questions (60 percent), refill prescriptions (58 percent) or request a referral (40 percent).
• 57 percent of respondents ages 18 to 34 said they would most like to view their medical record with a patient portal, followed by personal health recommendations (44 percent), available services (44 percent) and health news (23 percent).

Harris Poll conducted the online survey of 2,017 adults, ages 18 and older.

More articles on Health IT:

9 recent vendor contracts, go-lives

McKesson’s tech segment working with Capella on clinical information exchange

10 latest headlines from health IT’s biggest players

Becker’s 3rd Annual Fall Chief Pharmacy Officer Summit is the top tier event that the people leading the future of pharmacy convene. This 3-day event is built specifically for Chief Pharmacy Officers and senior pharmacy leaders. The sessions examine the workforce, financial and clinical priorities shaping pharmacy today. Becker’s is where candid discussions flourish and new ideas thrive. Becker's 3rd Annual Fall Chief Pharmacy Officer Summit