Digital records a reliable alternative

Dear Dr. Roach: What are your thoughts about the security and integrity of patient portals? Almost all of the physicians we see offer them now; some of them pushing their patients to sign up. While we understand that they offer advantages for both the patient and the physician’s office, we have been very reluctant to use them. The main reason is the security of sensitive information and separation from other patients’ information. Several years ago, our previous doctor converted his patients’ records to electronic format. Shortly thereafter, at an appointment, the doctor reviewed my husband’s medical history with him and talked about a condition that had never been diagnosed previously. He maintained that since it was in my husband’s record, it had to be correct. We have since transferred to another doctor. — S.K.A.

I would try not to let your bad experience with the electronic medical record keep you from taking advantage of the benefits of patient portals. The issue with the mistaken diagnosis in the chart is one that was in existence long before the advent of the EMR. Most physicians have learned that when there is a discrepancy between the chart information and what the patient tells you, the patient is usually correct. We even have a term for it: “chart lore.” It is surprising and disconcerting that your husband’s former doctor apparently didn’t learn that lesson, and it’s good he found someone else, and good that the incorrect condition in the chart was identified.

As far as safety, patient portals are as safe as electronic information can be in the modern world. It is a legal disaster for a physician’s office, hospital or insurer to have a security breach, just as it is for a bank containing your financial information.