Here are four things to know.
1. The study included 2,803 patients seen between Jan. 1, 2015 and Dec. 31, 2012 at four university-affiliated nephrology offices.
2. Of these 2,803 patients, 39 percent used the patient portal. Of the patients who accessed the portal:
• 87 percent reviewed laboratory results
• 85 percent reviewed medical information
• 85 percent reviewed or changed appointment information
• 77 percent reviewed medications
• 65 percent requested medication refills
• 31 percent requested medical advice from providers
3. The researchers found African-Americans, Medicaid patients, and patients with lower median household incomes were the least likely to access the portal.
4. The study authors concluded more research was needed to understand why vulnerable populations do not access patient portals and what barriers play a role in affecting access to e-health technologies.
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