by Jared Klein, MD, MPH SEATTLE, WA – Sharon [pseud] had struggled with her blood pressure for years, but when she ended up in the ER experiencing chest pain I couldn’t help thinking how I may have failed as her doctor. We had discussed her blood pressure many times, but I’m not sure if she…
Jared Klein
Your Patient Is Now Reading Your Note: Opportunities, Problems, and Prospects
Patients have unprecedented online access to their medical records. More than 6 million Americans can now read their doctors’ notes via patient portals, and continued rapid growth is likely. Sharing notes with patients may yield important health benefits, including increased patient empowerment and improved medication adherence. Seeing written information, including notes, helps patients remember the plan of care, reinforces patients’ positive behaviors, and strengthens the patient–doctor alliance.