Arbor Health and Life Publications

24/7 access to your health info

Taking charge of your health care is easier when the information you need is available online anytime you want it. That's where patient portals come in.

Patient portals are password-protected websites that allow you to access your health information and connect with your provider via smartphone or computer.

When you sign up to use a patient portal, you create a login name and set up a password that only you know so that you can log in privately. The site and your information are secure, and you can access your patient portal 24/7.

Your health information is always in reach

Your patient portal makes managing your health easier. For instance, many portals allow you to:

• Schedule an appointment with your provider.
• View information about your recent provider visits.
• See your lab or other test results.
• View records of immunizations you've had and ones you may need.
• Pay a medical bill.
• Request a medication refill.
• View the list of medications that you take, and submit list updates for approval.
• Send a message to your health care team.
• Update your contact or insurance information.
• View educational materials to help you prevent or manage a health condition.

Make the most of the patient portal

These quick tips can help make portal use—especially communication with your provider's office via the portal—smooth and efficient:

• Keep your messages to your provider brief and on point. Focus on only one or two concerns or questions.
• Be patient. Most providers respond within a day or two, but it can sometimes take longer.
• Try not to interpret your test results yourself. Your provider is the best person to interpret these results for you. If anything is abnormal, your provider will contact you.

Categories: Patient Portal