Updox is a reasonable thing that will satisfy the requirements of a portal allowing you to send HIPAA compliant e-mails, but will not really give you everything a full portal gives you. One advantage is that you can get this for a cost of 30-40 per month.
Another option is to use a full PHR - the one chosen by AC as the one they are working with to get full integration is called Practicom PHR. Currently it allows you to send the CCD, CCR, lists of pt.visits with the date and CC, immunizations, meds, allergies and upload all labs and imported items. It gives the patient the ability to review all of this along with diaries which they can put weight, blood pressure and blood sugars. This model charges the pt. I think $4-5 per month for the privilege of this. It also allows you to send 2 way email, broadcast messages, newsletters, etc. Full integration with AC is being developed and I use it now. Patients get a 'Lite' access for free - allows them to receive e-mail from the office, patient education access, use of the logs - some patients have signed up and then upgraded to the full version after seeing the features. I think it is very good and the only drawback is educating patients to realize that the cost of the PHR should be born by the patient - to often we have paid for things that really need not be free.
