What is a primary benefit of using a patient portal associated with EHR?

A primary benefit of using a patient portal associated with an Electronic Health Record (EHR) system is that it provides patients with access to their test results and health information. This feature empowers patients by allowing them to view their medical records, understand their health conditions better, track their progress over time, and actively participate in their healthcare decisions.

Having access to important health information can lead to improved patient engagement and satisfaction. When patients have the ability to see their test results and other health data, they are more likely to have informed discussions with their healthcare providers, which can enhance the quality of the care they receive. This transparency fosters a collaborative relationship between patients and providers, ultimately assisting in better health outcomes.

The other options do not capture the main advantage that portals offer in terms of empowering patients with access to their own health data. Instead of increasing doctor visits, the patient portal is more about improving communication and convenience for existing patients. While enhanced billing processes are beneficial, they are not as central to the concept of improving patient engagement and education as direct access to health information is. Additionally, the idea of reducing direct communication with providers contradicts the portal’s purpose, which is designed to facilitate rather than limit patient-provider interactions.