Tom,
My perspective may be viewed as "stupid", at least several of my partners probably think I am, but have not told me to my face, and I would not blame them if they did.
However, I am of the opinion trying to capture any of the meaningful use dollars is extremely inefficient for me. So I do not care about capturing any of the meaningful use money. I have already made more than enough to pay for my investment in transitioning to an EHR, by my improved efficiencies.
So with that being said, I saw over a year ago how critically important a patient portal would be to enhance efficiency. I will list several lessons learned along the way, and by no means do I have all the answers, but the portal has been single handily the best change I have made in 20 years of practice.
#1. Your nurse will be your best advocate to get it going.
#2. If your patient does not have the skill or interest in setting up a portal, do not waste your time.
#3. At the time of the patient visit, you need to sell it, your nurse needs to not only sell the idea, but get the email address, create a portal account, print up the information, and hand them a typed up set of directions on how to access and utilize the portal.
#4. I tell my patient there will be a summary of the visit viewable within minutes of leaving the office visit, instruct them how to access the summary and message back so they get comfortable with conversing in this fashion.
#5 Initially the set up is labor intensive, but the savings in reduced postage, phone tag, voice mail and improved communication has been nothing short of mind boggling.
If you want any assistance or ideas just let me know.
I hope this helps.
