Key Benefits Of Patient Portals

I agree that patient portals have potential to improve quality care, but they are still in their infancy and not much research has been conducted yet (Kruse, Bolton, & Frenke, 2015). A key benefit of patient portals is secure messaging between patient and provider. I have not yet tried this feature in my patient portal, although I have accessed lab results and paid my bill.
I think patient portals will help in underserved populations, especially if portals can be accessed using a smartphone. Just think, no more taking two or three buses to get to the doctor, certain interactions can be via the patient portal.
Kruse, Bolton, and Frenke (2015) point out that patient portals are different than personal health records (PHR). The physician