The patient-provider relationship is the heart of health care, and key to a
strong relationship is communication.
Studies show that enhanced communication opportunities for patients and
their providers strengthens their relationship, leading to patients who are
more satisfied with their care, better able to manage medical conditions,
demonstrate better adherence to treatment plans and show improved health
outcomes.
Communication opportunities within the patient-provider relationship can
include ways for patients to access their health information quickly and
conveniently, and securely message their providers with questions or
concerns.
In an effort to increase and enhance ways for patients and their providers to
communicate, University Medical Center implemented a new Patient Portal in
May.
A patient portal is a secure online website that gives patients convenient,
24/7 access to personal health information from any location with an internet
connection. Using a secure username and password, most patient portals
allow patients to access and view their health information online, email their
health-care provider questions and request prescription refills.
Research shows that when patients are able to see their own health data,
they gain a sense of ownership of their own health and wellness and are
better prepared to interact and communicate with their providers about their
care. Research also shows that features like secure messaging can help
boost the management of chronic diseases, such as high blood pressure and
diabetes, because providers and patients can regularly check in.
With our new Patient Portal, patients at all of our UMC locations can now
view and manage appointments online, message securely and directly with
their provider and care team, more easily review information from their
doctor visits, access lab test results, review prescriptions and request refills,
and complete paperwork prior to appointments.
An enhanced Patient Portal is just one of the ways we are working to
strengthen the relationship between UMC patients and providers, with the
goal of always striving to increase the quality of care we provide.
The College of Community Health Sciences operates University Medical Center,
the UA Student Health Center and Pharmacy, Brewer-Porch Children’s Center
and Capstone Hospitalist Group.