Only 30% of patients use hospital portals and doc office versions even less

Wait times to see a doctor are dropping but less than one-third of all patients make use of their hospital’s digital data portal to access their healthcare information, says a new survey from the Medical Group Management Association.

The survey of 1,200 medical group practices and related organizations also finds that patients use portals offered by their primary care physician even less. Portals allow patients to access test results, view personal health records, fill out forms in advance of appointments, facilitate doctor and patient communication, schedule appointments, pay bills and house important medical information. But only 30% of patients who visit hospital-owned practices use the portal, whereas physician-owned practices see less usage at only 10% to 15%, according to the MGMA.

Among all specialties, primary care practices report the highest use for patient portals compared to other specialties at 35%.

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