One thing that you cannot UNDERESTIMATE about implementing a patient portal is the time and effort it takes to train the patients.
There will be a range of responses - from patients who don't have/want a computer, to users who are opening the initial email in the waiting room after they have checked in but aren't roomed yet.
NBHC went with Updox, and has implemented several forms on the portal so that we are steering all of our communication through Updox. Also trying to get out of the mode of doing medicine over the phone; if the patient wants to talk with the provider - we do that in the exam room where the provider has the time, tools, and setting to treat the patient.
Say learning curve.
