I got your patient portal right here

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smappyfunball@reddit

I like the portals except if you have more than one mychart, and they give you a code for one with a new system when you already have one registered, I just throws the code aside and you can’t register for the new one and have try some other convoluted method.

I had to do this for my dad and stepmom for two different hospitals in town and it was no end of headaches

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Optimal-Ad-7074@reddit

no way i am doing a portal. the last time someone added me to one without my consent i tore all kinds of shit out of them. just in order for me to get to my own information and find out what they'd scheduled for me, i was supposed to consent to a "privacy" policy that basically amounted to 'you don't know where your information is being physically stored and you don't know what protection it might or might not have under whatever jurisdiction it is. and no, we don't know who might get access to it, and no, we won't accept any responsibility for any of this.'

i could. not. believe they had UNILATERALLY uploaded my personally identifying id's and medical history to wherever it fucking was.

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PezCandyAndy@reddit

Healthcare portals and certain other accounts are ok with me. Many of them help out quite a bit. However, I just counted and found that I have a little over 150 different kinds of accounts to keep track of. From streaming services, to crypto, zoom/discord, financial & government accounts, to all the various restaurants, hobby, & shopping sites, housing related like utilities or trash pickup, social media & forums, employment sites, health related, transportation & lodging, to video game related and so on. No way I would trust one computer browser to store all that.

At a certain point I also realized that many of these accounts had other information that is good to have for easy access so I started putting everything into a protected Excel spreadsheet. I added other info like if the account required 2 factor authentication, when the payment was due, account or PIN #'s that I may need at some point. I also have accounts marked for updating in case I move or I get sent a new credit card, and anything else that could be important.

While the repetition is nice, most accounts use my email as the login ID so sharing a password across multiple accounts is a huge no-no. But anyway, it feels like I need an account set up for pretty much everything these days and it is quite frustrating. This highlights a big problem though; you pretty much need a computer and internet access for most everything. Poor people, or those that have no reliable internet (such as those in rural areas) likely have problems because of this. I also hate using my phone to access most accounts because either they want you to use an app, and the screen is just too small for these old eyes. That you need so much information readily available can be so overwhelming for some people (like me with severe ADHD).

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Agreeable-Can-7841@reddit

Login: Me, the parent, ok.

No, login as your 12 year old.

Ok, give my 12 year old a separate username

Nope, can't issue username to 12 year old.

LOGIN!

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Schyznik@reddit (OP)

Spot-on!!

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FlREYWench@reddit

MHS GENESIS is that YOU?? @#$*&&!??!

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mousekabob@reddit

Love the portal. I can learn about my results in an actual record and I can google what I don't understand. I can transfer my results to others who may need them and it's easier to understand than something a doctor told me on the phone. I like actually seeing my tests, results and records.

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cawfytawk@reddit

I'm sorry you've been experiencing issues. Some portals are better than others.

I prefer them over missed calls, playing phone tag with my doctors to get test results and sitting on hold for 20 minutes. My docs in NYC have partnered with Columbia, Weill-Cornell, NY Presbyterian to have a central database and patient portal. Booking appoints, viewing test results, refilling Rx, referrals, emailing my docs and filling out those redundant check-in forms is so easy now. Portals for independent doctors not affiliated with major hospitals is always a hot mess.

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grapebeyond227@reddit

You sure you’re in the right generation? Most GenXers I know hate talking on the phone.

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balthisar@reddit

I've been waiting for a portal since, like, 1992. Love it.

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EastHuckleberry5191@reddit

Which one of the four portals to which are you referring?? lol.

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ileentotheleft@reddit

I HATE portals. Got disturbing test results on a Tuesday at 10am & didn't hear from the physician until noon on Wednesday. She said as much as patients hate portals, doctors hate them more. Often portal sends patient results before the doctor has seen them.

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nurse1227@reddit

Yep. But with the freedom of information act it’s mandatory and causes unnecessary anxiety

[-]

GenX-ModTeam@reddit

All posts MUST be pertinent to GenX.

This includes non-specific ramblings, any sort of conspiracy theories, that have nothing to do with GenX, or posts about people who happen to be GenX…and that’s it.

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YoureSooMoneyy@reddit

I hate it so so so much :(

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Small_Tiger_1539@reddit

I don't mind using MyChart or a private portal. What my new Dr. is doing is nefarious as far as I'm concerned. So, you need to call to schedule any extra appointments or about medication issues. The issue being he doesn't have ANYONE answering phones. It's all voice-mail and they get back to you when they can. My insurance said they've tried to contact him for a problem with a script for my once a day inhaler, but they need to speak directly to the Dr. They will not leave a message. So for 5 months I've not had my medication even after making an appointment and explaining this to him. Can't wait to change my Dr in January.

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nurse1227@reddit

WTH. They should not need to speak with the dr. Sounds like you need a different pharmacy instead

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Good_Habit3774@reddit

I tried to set up a patient portal for my husband here's how it went, I put in his information and it says the info doesn't match their records I call the office stay on hold 23 minutes then they tell me his office address is in the computer and he's going to have to correct it in person. I have given up

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Expensive-Delay-9790@reddit

Lots of portal love in the comments but I agree that online stuff is frustrating, especially if you have to login to eight different portals to pay bills. I had to do that today and at least three portals didn’t work so I had to call and talk to three people so I could give them my money. Health care billing is a mess. Sometimes I get two bills for the same thing but the paperwork doesn’t match. I don’t get it.

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Emotional_Fig_3315@reddit

I like the epic portals that are tied together.

Just wished I didn't have to use three other portals from non epic vendors.

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Fun-Distribution-159@reddit

epic is amazing

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Fun-Distribution-159@reddit

i prefer it. i hate talking to people on the phone

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fumbs@reddit

I like the portals. I can track trends, review old medical advice and not have to answer my phone.

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holdmypurse@reddit

As a nurse I prefer the portal for non-urgent requests because everything is saved to the patient's chart. Oh look pt is asking why pharmacy won't fill his prescription....3 days ago pharmacy messaged that insurance prefers generic....4 days ago the patient messaged that he can't take the generic because bla bla bla.

Easy fix taking maybe a few hours because I have all the data in front of me whereas otherwise it could take days of phone calls, vmails and phone tag.

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learysghost@reddit

dont worry, as soon as you figure it out and are able to use it, they will switch to a different one to "improve your user experience and better secure your sensitive information. please review the attached 3 pages of migration instructions to ensure your continuity of care."

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Murky-Professor5450@reddit

I'm with you 100 percent! I dread even paying a friggin bill online bc I know I'll be there an hr or more trying to remember uswr name, passwords, security question, then scrambling to find your phone to retrieve another text code! And dont use the same password twice, blah blah I get it!! 😩

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jakestertx@reddit

Enshitification of services.

The Almighty Profit rules us all!

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greevous00@reddit

No idea why you're being downvoted. This kind of enshitification is happening EVERYWHERE. Tried to find anything decent to watch on Netflix recently? Like those YouTube ads? Your FB feed have ANYTHING from your relatives and friends any more?

Medical portals are probably a little less enraging than many of these other things, but that's precisely what it is -- enshitification. Who needs actual human contact about something personal like YOUR BODY, when you can spend half and hour f'ing around with some damned app you've used a grand total of three times in your whole life?

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UntoNuggan@reddit

My pet peeve is when I try the portal, but it tells me for my issue I need to call. Then I call, and sit on hold listening to a recording telling me over and over about how many issues can be addressed on the patient portal. Have I tried the patient portal?

This is my villain origin story.

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WinterMedical@reddit

I don’t mind the portals but for my senior parents they are a nightmare. Every provider has a different one. Many of them will ONLY address issues over the portal so for many seniors it is becoming an access issue unless they have someone in their life willing to be their health manager. Have them fine, but they need to make sure the everyone can access care and information in a way that fits their life.

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temerairevm@reddit

It depends on the portal. Some of them seem to turn into password hell every single time.

I have one doctor’s office that is AWFUL with the phone but can at least message you back via portal. It will take them like a week to call you back so you have to answer every spam number on your cell even if you’re in a client meeting until they randomly decide to call you. So the portal is an improvement.

But my gyn’s office is a hot mess. They’ll simultaneously robocall, text, and email you telling you to go in the portal to make an appointment and then once you get through password hell the portal tells you that it can’t help you with appointments at this time so you need to call them. Which is really not good for my blood pressure.

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trextra@reddit

Mostly I like the portal, but I also will call the clinic if it’s something a staff person can handle.

If it requires the doctor’s attention, it goes through the portal. But my doctor is really good at addressing things quickly.

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trappdawg@reddit

I don't like it

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lolhal@reddit

You sure you're GenX?

In the past you'd have to call to make a doctor's appointment, then make another appointment to get your results or wait weeks for them to be snail-mailed to you. Possibly a nurse might call you.

With the portal system you've got access to your care provider any time of the day from almost anywhere. Your results are at your fingertips whenever you want them.

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fuddykrueger@reddit

I dislike the portals bc there are SO many and they keep making me fill out the same ten pages of health history. Also the information never updates when I edit. I go back in and the old information is still in there. Some still say I was referred by a PCP I haven’t seen since 2012 (which isn’t true).

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PGHxplant@reddit

I feel bad for those clouds you're yelling at. My spouse and I both grew up pre-internet. But we have the same PCM who we love at the same practice and frankly, the portal is fantastic. They're extremely responsive and it's great for everything that isn't a RIGHT NOW type issue.

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Schyznik@reddit (OP)

Those clouds deserve it. They hold all the passwords that never work. May the sun burn through them all.

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Few-Requirements@reddit

Even my boomer dad writes his passwords and usernames in a notepad. It isn't that hard man...

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inkydeeps@reddit

Consider a password manager. It’s not that hard

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Historical-Hiker@reddit

The portal is way better than sifting through a dozen phone options or sitting on hold for a human.

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Wishpicker@reddit

Who then has to log into a portal to answer your questions

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ButtercreamBoredom@reddit

I love the patient portal. I hate talking on the phone.

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Liakinsrotz@reddit

Hate the phone. Long live the portal!

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JustYourAvgHumanoid@reddit

Speaking to people gives me anxiety so I prefer the portal. I'm sorry yours is being a pain.

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DBBKF23@reddit

I prefer the portal.

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Ok-Bottle-5296@reddit

Me, too. They respond much more quickly.

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LDawnBurges@reddit

I prefer it too…. I can med prescription refills WAY quicker and sometimes my PCP will answer a question directly.

Plus, when my Hubby was hospitalized for 2 months, I could see everything that was being done, all the test results (usually before the Drs), what meds he was getting (& when), when Dr’s or PT or OT were coming by, etc, and even the Dr’s notes and Hubby’s treatment plan. It really was a godsend.

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Easy_Key5944@reddit

So did I ... when I lived in a populous state with robust systems. Then I moved back to a small, rural state. I have never once managed to use the portal for anything. I have to call. I hate calling.

My point is YMMV depending on where you live.

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Stefferdiddle@reddit

Same. I hate talking to people on the phone. And TBH I get answers quickly from my doctors and NPs Sonia can’t complain. And since the conversation history is there I have a reference should I forget.

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pwolf1111@reddit

Same. I do everything to avoid the phone calls. I also avoid the mailbox as much as possible.

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flappy-doodles@reddit

I got a TB test by mistake due to a phone miscommunication. Nurse came into the room, asked me to roll my sleeve up and pricked me with the little needle thing. I was like, "Um... what was that?!" She said, "It is a TB test, like you asked for." I started laughing and said, "Yeah, I didn't request that."

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QueenScorp@reddit

I could have written exactly this. I've always hated talking on the phone, I'm thrilled having other options

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RogerClyneIsAGod2@reddit

Same. I only bother with the phone if I need a same day appointment which isn't very often. I can get refills, get my pharmacy changed easily, email the doc, make appointments, see upcoming appointments, see test results, etc. so much faster & easier now.

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inkydeeps@reddit

My provider now lets me text for appointments, even same day ones. It is incredibly awesome.

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Stefferdiddle@reddit

If I need same day I just go to urgent care in the middle of the night for my health system (think 4 AM) to avoid the wait. Last time I was in and out in 30 min.

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shinbreaker@reddit

Totally. It only sucks when doctors dont respond. But still, if there's something I need to check on or know, just pull up the app and ask.

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3010664@reddit

Same. Can schedule appointments without waiting online, get test results, message your providers. All good. My password is saved in my phone and on my computer, so no worries there.

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nrith@reddit

Same, but I wish I just had to fill this shit out ONCE and have providers all tap into the same data. It’s incredibly stupid to have to fill it out over and over again.

And I work for an electronic health record company.

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MinervaZee@reddit

Yes and no. I want only the providers I want to be able to have access do so. I visited a new eye dr and it turns out he had access to my records. I only wanted a glasses prescription, I didn't want a full visit. And he read my history and charged me a lot more as if he was my regular doctor. So yes this could be good, but I want more controls to be able to have granted him access or not.

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MinervaZee@reddit

Me too. Saves time - I put my message in and get a response. Don't have to worry about getting through to the office.

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No-Fishing5325@reddit

Me too. Quicker, easier and get a faster reply from the doctor

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oced2001@reddit

Me too. I hate waiting on hold for an appointment six months from now. And I also like tele heath.

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hopeinnewhope@reddit

MyChart is my healthcare bff.

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HatlessDuck@reddit

I see the test results directly.

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exscapegoat@reddit

Same. If work is hectic, I can’t call during office hours unless it serious or urgent. And before I started working from home, had to deal with an open office floor plan and limited conference rooms. I once called from an atm vestibule to get some privacy for a medical test discussion

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rastagrrl@reddit

Me too. Everything is clearly written out and I have a nice paper trail to follow. Keeps things nice and simple.

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AnitaPeaDance@reddit

Me too! No being on hold.

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IdaDuck@reddit

100% better. Faster and easier and you can communicate directly with most of the doctors.

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algae_man@reddit

I don't mind the portal. They are super busy and I'm ok with them getting to my question when they can. What I hate is the pre-check in. It always makes you scan in your cards and they only work half the time. Then I still gotta check in at the front desk and they still ask me questions. After I just spent 5 minutes fighting with your stupid system? No thanks.

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Rungi500@reddit

Get a password vault. I don't mind the portal. Makes it easy to check my own info. 👍🏼

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Wysical_@reddit

I find the portal to be more convenient. I don’t want to talk on the phone, and if I do call I just get routed to the central office. Plus I can ensure accuracy in my visits. I can list the things I want to talk about and then they have a printout when I go. My doctor has also said it’s the best way to reach him because he will be sure to see it. I am all about modern technology.

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Necrospire@reddit

I do not have a smart phone which means I can call the surgery if I need to, having a brick, Nokia, gets you a free pass in many areas.

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principaw@reddit

I preferred the portal, until I got the notification that they were hacked and someone has all of my personal information as well as my medical history.

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Suitable_South_144@reddit

I declined the patient portal due to privacy issues. After having my private info hacked with several medical providers as well as govt agencies, I've chosen to limit what I put out there. Patient portals are not as secure as they should be and the hassle of locking your credit, social security number, yadda yadda is a royal pain in the tuckus. And I am not explaining to the front desk personnel my issues. Instead I ask for the provider's nurse and request a call back.

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staceyann1573@reddit

My information was stolen that way and somebody signed up for unemployment using my information. That was a mess.

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Suitable_South_144@reddit

I'm sorry for your experience! It totally sucks that people can be so evil! And until it happened to me I never once worried about the information I gave to providers. Now I say no.. a lot!

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naked_nomad@reddit

Refuse to use them. Tell my doctors up front to not even bother setting one up for me because I am not going to use it.

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funkcatbrown@reddit

I got so pissed at an asshole doctor I sent him 411 messages over a week and they cut off access to the patient portal. But it was sure amazing to have that kind of access to let him have it and know his ass is getting sued. Lol 😂

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Dolly-Pardon_Me@reddit

I hate it.

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ChardPuzzleheaded423@reddit

I prefer it to trying to get a Zoomer to have a normal conversation at their alleged workplace.

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GenXrules69@reddit

Yes And please do not have a coronary.✊️

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Breklin76@reddit

Get a password manager.

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Breklin76@reddit

I love it. No phone calls. No people until you go in.

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TesseractToo@reddit

A what?

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fusionsofwonder@reddit

Having my health records online has been a huge game changer.

One funny example: My mother, who was in managed care, was taken to the hospital. The care facility didn't know which hospital, could not even tell me which agency responded to the ambulance call.

So I'm calling around to various hospitals trying to find out if she's been admitted, when I get an email about a new test result on her patient portal.

I had called that same hospital just a few minutes before and they said she wasn't there.

Patient Portal > Phone.

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alymars@reddit

Team Patient Portal

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TKD_Mom76@reddit

I save all my online passwords in LastPass. That’s what we used to use. The husband has decided to switch us to Bitwarden, keeps saying he’ll help me transfer my LastPass to Bitwarden, keeps not helping me. Anyway, without an online way to keep my passwords safe, I’d super be in trouble!

Also, I prefer the portals. If it’s a semi-emergency, I’ll call. Otherwise, it’s nice to send a message about something simple and have it answered or dealt with in a short amount of time, despite it saying it might be a day or two.

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Stewie_Atl@reddit

If the portal works and has everything I need and can communicate easily it’s awesome. I’m in the process of consolidating my medical providers under one organization because of this. 4 portals that all work differently. no thanks.

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jonzin@reddit

I prefer digital communication... Fuck people.

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pinkfootthegoose@reddit

Patient Portal leaves a paper trail. I do hate the stupid password requirements.. like FFS let me use a good password without stupid character requirements.

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Cool_Jelly_9402@reddit

I love it. I can usually do everything on there. Today I had to schedule something that couldn’t be done on the portal however (an uncommon test) and I had to wait 45 mins to finally get a human on the line and then my interaction lasted less than 5 mins. 50 mins gone. I hope they switch everything to the portal eventually

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moooeymoo@reddit

No, I actually prefer it!

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Pmbmax34@reddit

Me too. Like that all the notes are documented.

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Miralalunita@reddit

😆😆😆 love your caption! And I read it with a New Jersey accent too

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stomperxj@reddit

Take better care of your online accounts. It's not that hard to keep track. I prefer portals

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elguereaux@reddit

I FnG hate it

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Legitimate-Alps-6890@reddit

I hate the portal and I hate the phone. If I need to schedule something I just stop in while getting groceries and hassle someone face to face.

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thisgirlnamedbree@reddit

I like the portal. I only call the doctor to schedule or reschedule appointments. Getting test results and prescriptions is much easier, and they get back to you much quicker too.

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freshcoastghost@reddit

I'm the type that hates to look at lab results etc. I read into(with the help of the internet) every little nuance and variance and convince myself of some underlying disease and imminent suffering. I just ask if thinks look ok.

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jluvdc26@reddit

I wish my provider still used the patient portal. They switched to calling so they can charge me 125 bucks a call. At least the portal was free.

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HumpaDaBear@reddit

I love it. I hate talking to people. I can get my point across better when I write it.

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SpecificJunket8083@reddit

No. Technology is wonderful and efficient. Geez you sound like an old person. Gross.

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BadAtExisting@reddit

Ive been in and out of the hospital since September. MyChart has been great! I can keep track of my appointments, pay my bills, look up my medicines, view my test results, and see what I’ve fallen behind on - like cancer screenings or tetanus shots, etc. I can look it all up and have it right there at the office or hospital if I need to pull up my records when at my appointments

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HailLeroy@reddit

My only complaint with the portal is that not all hospital systems integrate with Apple Health. Since I end up in multiple systems (combo of what’s available in my area - 3 big systems - and the way my insurance works) having a single source to aggregate all my info is awesome. But when one or more systems won’t integrate, then none of it works right

But in the whole? Hell yeah, give me something where I don’t need to call/talk to anyone and can still do what I need to do

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GuitarHeroInMyHead@reddit

No problem here...you need to change with the times. I find the portal way more convenient and every doctor that I use responds pretty quickly...typically same day by the end of the day.

Use a password manager and get with the program...it's easy.

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Ahsin71@reddit

Who wants to talk to a person?

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fnnkybutt@reddit

I love the portal. All my doctors are in the same health care organization, so everything is there for me, and for all of them to see.

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rahah2023@reddit

Via the portal I can communicate directly with all my docs and even though I know their nurses answer for them - I know I made contact and get what I need the same day… no waiting for call backs

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malthar76@reddit

Portals suck for me. Can’t access my whole family with same login. Spouse I get, but why do I need different login for my kids?

Then I can’t crack the password unlock for 3 days now. And it’s stuff like name, DOB and email. Shit I know.

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redtesta@reddit

Its terrible or you can't talk to someone in the office call goes to call center, they take a message and relay it to the office and or nurses. Total bs. Totally inefficient but we are in these times of workers who just don't want to do their jobs and yes, I'm talking the younger generation. I do have one facility where I can talk directly to the office but they run it lije the old days. Plus, the two nurses do double duty of front desk and nursing with one person up front full time. Of course the two double duty are gen x , full time desk person is gen z that answers the dr. Offuce phone with, " hello". Yikessss

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redtesta@reddit

Its terrible or you can't talk to someone in the office call goes to call center, they take a message and relay it to the office and or nurses. Total bs. Totally inefficient but we are in these times of workers who just don't want to do their jobs and yes, I'm talking the younger generation. I do have one facility where I can talk directly to the office but they run it lije the old days. Plus, the two nurses do double duty of front desk and nursing with one person up front full time. Of course the two double duty are gen x , full time desk person is gen z that answers the dr. Offuce phone with, " hello". Yikessss

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lunicorn@reddit

The portal is so helpful when dealing with aging parents, too. With the parent’s approval, you can have access to their records and even message their doctor. I recently connected with a parent’s doctor hundreds of miles away to explain the parent’s concerns and have us all on the same page. If the parent has a doctor’s visit or lab results, I get an email and can see it and help explain to my parent what it means.

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Sad_Assist946@reddit

My portal was incredibly helpful during my 12 months of cancer treatment

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Junebug0474@reddit

Sooooo tired of it! So many freaking portals!!!!!

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Gatos_2023@reddit

i friggen LOVE the portals. the less I have to converse with other people - especially over the phone - the better. all my providers are extremely responsive, plus you get your lab results in a matter of hours 🤷🏼‍♀️

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j_grouchy@reddit

I hate talking on the phone. Always have. Always had trouble deciphering what a person was saying if they had an accent or the connection wasn't crystal clear.

The phone always used to be something I actively avoided, so the move to online and text communication was a welcome relief for me

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SomeCrazedBiker@reddit

I hate that they handle billing on the portal the most.

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Retiree66@reddit

I hate how mine shows my lab work. Why not organize it so I can see trends over time?

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Away-Stretch-6392@reddit

I think that soon there will be computers diagnosing patients over a zoom call. Fucking world has become so impersonal and I for one am thankful to have lived in a time where people actually interact with others face to face. We won't be around in 50 years to see the world where it has become just like the movie "Idocracy"

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OriginalUnfair7402@reddit

It’s also partly due to staffing issues. Offices are incredibly short staffed, due to MANY REASONS, and this is one efficient way to deal with that. As the Boomers die the future generations are comfortable with technology and that’s a game changer.

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mammiejammie@reddit

Nah. The portals are great. I don’t have to sit on hold. Don’t have to wait for a call back at the end of the day or the next day. I can make my own appt online, send my dr a message, request a med refill or make a same day virtual appt w someone in the office for something basic like a UTI. The time it takes to reset your incorrect password is 2 minutes maybe.

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mltrout715@reddit

I prefer it

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Hoblitygoodness@reddit

You sound old.

I'm just kidding around and I do understand how annoying portals can be. I navigate about a dozen of them and now all my bills that way too. Password tracking is a $@#!, completely agree. All the kids tell me that this is the new normal...actually, I'm having to explain this to other people, but I know that this is all just part of the computer & internet way.

But in the two (yes, two) different medical portals that I log into (It's actually 4 because my wife has the same two) I can actually message the doctor directly. There may have been two times in my life where I was able to get a hold of the actual doctor and now I basically hear back from them every time I use the messaging function. The delay is no different than someone at the other end of the phone telling you that you'll get a call back.

I hope you that you find a good way to keep track of your passwords and that you don't get caught up in too many password-format-updates. I think we all hate that and tech support ain't what it used to be. Now I'm the one that sounds old.

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Ladydiane818@reddit

I’m okay with the portal but yeah the password thing is annoying. And don’t get me started on the password reset email that arrives 2 seconds after it expired.

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Jasong222@reddit

I didn't mind a portal, what bothers me is that everybody's got their own portal, which means 5 portals for me to use. labs? One portal. Pcp another. Specialist had their own portal. Oh, sorry, I meant that each specialist had their own portal. Urgent care? Of course!

That's what annoys me the most

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ZebraBorgata@reddit

I’m super tech savvy and an engineer. At the doctors office for my next appointment I asked for a physical card for the reminder. The receptionist seemed irked and said “use the portal or app”. I said no thanks, I’d rather have the card with date & time on it! I wrote my own web site for gods sake, lol. But I want the card. Doubly so now that it irks you.

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Evening_Ad_1099@reddit

Really love the portal. I bet notifications when I am supposed to get blood work, or quick messages from my Dr or constant reminders to make an appointment. I have never paid this close attention to my health in a constant way.

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broncoangel@reddit

I don’t mind too much, but my husband (53) and my mom (68) don’t even know how to use it so I end up doing it all for them if it can’t be handled over the phone.

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typhoidmarry@reddit

CVS, Anthem, MyChart, 1800Conracts—I love having everything in one place!

Put the upcoming appointments in my calendar & set reminders, easy peasy!

I’m 58 and love the technology.

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shockerdyermom@reddit

I train people how to use EHRs.....

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yardkat1971@reddit

Portal. But I do wish there was just one, and not a bunch of different ones. Why can't it all be central, like in my insurance portal someplace?

Not trying to sound condescending, but may I suggest a password manager? They're pretty easy to use and keep difficult passwords safe. I like Bitwarden but there are others!

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ASTERnaught@reddit

Now someone needs to make a portal manager. :-)

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yardkat1971@reddit

BRILLIANT! I wish I was an app developer!!

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ksfarmlady@reddit

There already are portal manager apps. I’ve seen them from the provider side cuz I work in healthcare information, I don’t use one so can’t make any recommendations. I manage my healthcare and my adult blind kids care so there’s multiple portals. I just use a password vault and just tap the one I want and it logs me in.

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joanne122597@reddit

my husband had a terrible cold that went into his chest. i just wanted to get some advice, should i take him in, should i use some Guaifenesin. the portal would not let me past getting having him get a covid test. we had already done 3 covid test. would not let me put in that we had done the covid tests. they made me bring him in, sick, to urgent care. and then they gave him a prescription for Guaifenesin and told him to come back if he gets worse.

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GenXella@reddit

I go to functional medicine with a very user friendly system!

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Got_Bent@reddit

My Chart is really easy to use. Same with ATHENA at my Primary Care doctor.

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MassOrnament@reddit

It's not a problem for me. I don't like talking on the phone anyway. Plus, having been on the other side of it, there is still someone who has to answer those messages, but they get to do it, say, in a cluster at the end of the day rather than as the calls come in.

That said, once you get your password set up, use a password manager to keep it or write it down in a secure place. That's what I do and I never have to remember it to get on the portal.

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BununuTYL@reddit

My patient portal is great and my care team responds timely. My PCP often responds the same day.

It's so convenient to have all my visit reports, test results, and medications all in one place. And if I'm out of town, many health care providers can access my information.

In the old days, it was a nightmare trying to get your medical records transferred.

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banjogitup@reddit

If there was one portal for all my medical records I wouldn't have a problem. I actually like it.

What brings me to tears is having several portals for different Dr's. I have some issues I need to get checked out every year and remembering what portal goes with what is a nightmare.

Then I have one place that has two separate portals. WTAF?! I absolutely hate it and it's stressful.

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kibfib@reddit

This sounds very boomer-esque.

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omgkelwtf@reddit

I refuse them. Talk to me or don't but I'm not having 16 patient portals because every office uses a different one. I hate them.

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SomethingHasGotToGiv@reddit

SAME!

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Rootin-Tootin-Newton@reddit

I’m in Chicago and was wonder about my triglycerides… I called her back at home and she was able to answer my question. So, I’m incompetent but she has it figured out. I miss straight talk with the doctor.

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SomethingHasGotToGiv@reddit

All of that times however many doctors you have, how many your children have, and how many your partner has. I am so tired of having 15+ patient portals to have to deal with.

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Bob-Dolemite@reddit

you sound old

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Wintaru@reddit

I like the convenience of the portal. What I don't like is when I have a problem that a bot or the portal can't solve and I have to talk to someone, it is near impossible to reach someone to talk to. Especially with getting prescription problems fixed. I feel like I'm either calling BCBS or Walgreens weekly to sort some bullshit out. I'm 46 and I really hope something changes because I don't want to spend the second half of my life fighting with insurance.

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Imverystupidgenx@reddit

I invested nothing in Bitwarden and it makes up passwords for me and is cross platform. I remember 1 master password and the browser or app autofills.

I do like the health portal I now have, it has all my medical history from everywhere. It’s a smaller practice, but labs are done in house. The office staff has been amazing and available when needed.

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zachobsonlives@reddit

I love it. I don’t want to talk to anyone, I’ll likely swear and get banned from the healthcare company.

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CrowsSayCawCaw@reddit

I have difficulty with getting the portal to load everything properly for the large group medical practice associated with one local hospital despite the fact I don't have problems with the portal of a different hospital. Fortunately with that group my orthopedists offer the option to communicate back and forth via text message, which is convenient. My other two doctors with that hospital group are portal only but are not good at messaging back through the portal if I have a question. Not helpful.

OTOH, my primary care doc's office is old school and don't use the portal system, so I just call them instead.

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Upbeat_Try_1718@reddit

Nope, unless I’m dying don’t call me. I’ll use the portal. Thanks.

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polymorphic_hippo@reddit

I don't care if I'm dying. Don't call me. Text me if you need me to know something because I will ignore calls.

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Upbeat_Try_1718@reddit

😆

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Ok-Sheepherder-761@reddit

As a 57 year old introvert, I love it.

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Calm-Opportunity5915@reddit

I agree with OP, but for a different reason. I'd rather use the portal, but when I'm in the appt, they ask me all the same fucking questions. I ask them "why did i answer all these questions in the portal if ur just gonna ask me all over again?" How about u fucking read ur portal before our appt?

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yesandno77@reddit

I hate the fucking portal. It never has any test results in there. They are a bunch of liars! 😂

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Toadinnahole@reddit

I loooove my portal, I just downloaded every test result & Dr's notes I needed to file an Aflac claim in 10 minutes, no humans needed. My test results show up hours before the dr calls!

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bigformybritches@reddit

Some portals are more user-friendly than others. It’s definitely taking some adjustment on my part, but there are benefits.

As you get used to them and successfully logging in, you’ll enjoy seeing your results yourself, and not trying to decipher confusing information that someone gives you over the phone.

It’s also extraordinarily helpful if you are caring for older parents. You can get their health information right on your phone, instead of fielding phone calls from a million specialists.

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madtownjeff@reddit

Exactly, mi e has a simple 4 digit pin, and all my providers are accesible across 2 systems.

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Alchemister5@reddit

Sounds like you need a password manager.

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Worth-Pear6484@reddit

It wouldn't be so bad if the doctors used the same portal every time...or told us in advance that they had a new portal.

I don't bother checking in online for most of them either. They ask the same questions every time. I just tell the receptionist that their check-in link didn't work on my phone. Of course, sometimes that isn't a lie!

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RunRunRabbitRunovich@reddit

I like the portal. Especially when I was making my mom’s chemo schedule and drs appointments it made it easier on me for juggling her schedule, seeing her results, and keeping track of her prescriptions. Now I’m using mine for pretty much the same 😕

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HighOnGoofballs@reddit

How about the fact they’re all owned by private equity companies now which is why I have to get drug tested to get my prescriptions

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Antelope-Subject@reddit

I like the portal except for the day I got my test results before my doctors appointment that said cancer. But I ended up okay and cancer is gone.

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desertcrafty@reddit

Any day I don't have to talk on the phone is a good day. I am getting tired of having to download an app for everything however.

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MokiQueen@reddit

Patient portals have helped me tremendously. They have allowed all of my health care professionals to share/access my medical records and save me a ton of money and time. They are great and not difficult to figure out. I was born in 1966…if I can figure it out anyone can.

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arabrab12@reddit

Nope. Love it. Been using it for a long time. Don’t make me call to make an appt. Why are people so hung up on having people do for them what is so much easier to do yourself?!?

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ceno_byte@reddit

I prefer the portal to the gorram dependence on faxes (“I’ll just fax you a copy of your records” a no, madam, you will not, because the last fax I had ran out of ink in the last century -nay, millennium-, and I shall not replace it).

But I prefer being able to phone for an appointment or Rx refill. And I hate phoning.

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CatelynsCorpse@reddit

I prefer the patient portal because I am way wayyyy more likely to get a response from my doctor/his nurse if I send a message via the portal than if I leave a voicemail.

I do not love that there are different portals for every damn doctor's office I go to, though. That part annoys the hell out of me.

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OldSailor742@reddit

I prefer the portal but I wish they hired Americans to build it.

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StopSignsAreRed@reddit

Your title made me laugh.

I love it for the quick lab results and visit summaries. I hate it for turning what would be a 10 minute phone conversation into 8 days of bullshit before you get an actual answer.

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FroToTheLow@reddit

OP, this is the gen x reddit not the boomer reddit.

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ExpertIAmNot@reddit

A good password manager will resolve the password frustrations for you. The portal is almost certainly not forgetting your password, you are. I mean I get it, I can’t remember shit anymore.

1Password is a good one to take a look at.

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Spirited_Concept4972@reddit

I’m not sure I know what to do without the portal nowadays with everything so hectic.

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certaindarkthings@reddit

I love the portal because I’m chronically ill and this way all of my stuff is in one spot. I have a few different doctors and everything is in one spot for my PCP. For me it’s super convenient.

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DBBKF23@reddit

I prefer the portal.

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6mcdonoughs@reddit

Same

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Sea-Talk-203@reddit

Same -- I hate having to call to schedule an appointment or being on hold trying to get a question answered. On the portal, I can look at my test results etc. whenever I want.

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exscapegoat@reddit

Also I like being able to track the most recent results against past ones and see the overall trends. Seeing them improve after some positive lifestyle changes is motivating to keep up good habits

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6mcdonoughs@reddit

Exactly to me it’s way easier and to schedule an appointment I can look at the calendar in my phone figure out if it works or not and just add the event with a reminder to the calendar app. It makes things easier. I do not want to wait on the phone with 4 other callers ahead of me!

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Retinoid634@reddit

I’m so sick of setting up portals for everything. Once I’m in, it’s convenient but omg just text me as the default and send me links and stop making extra work everywhere.

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penguin_stomper@reddit

I do like that I can go and see my bloodwork results as soon as they're available, usually within 24 hours. Age and past history means there's always a touch of anxiety about what they'll say. I just hate how many accounts and logins and crap we have now. If I ever lose access to my main gmail or phone number, I'd be screwed in getting anything open again.

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AbjectBeat837@reddit

I love the portal and anything else that helps me avoid talking to people.

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happycj@reddit

Screw MyChart and anyone who has ever worked on their software development team. There are standard ways mobile apps work, idiots. You don't need to reinvent every single control and interface element and pretend like there isn't an entire discipline with degrees and everything dedicated to mobile interfaces.

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Tralfaz1138@reddit

I'll start by saying I do prefer the portal. Among other things, having the results of the checkup online so you can just read it all is handy. I also prefer messaging through there over calling on the phone. I mean, if you call you'll likely just get someone that can make appointments (most likely in a call center they outsource to, so not a person actually working at that office). At least a portal provides "some" direct way to get in touch with the doctor or their PA. That said, the medical group my doctor belongs to got bought out by a bigger one. So going to the portal now had a confusing list of "if you have an account before this date, do this, before this other date, do this, or new patients do this".

The weird part for me was making the office visit itself more automated. My latest annual physical was like a money drop for a hostage. All managed with text messages. "When you arrive, text us, stay in your car and await further instructions". "Go to suite XXX, go past the desk and through the door, then down YYY St to office 10". (They basically had street names painted on the corners of the walls to guide you to a specific hallway). Honestly, it was all quite efficient, took less time that normal and was probably better than sitting in a waiting room for half an hour, then in the exam room for another 15 minutes waiting.

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djay1991@reddit

love patient portal. If you're having trouble with passwords use a password manager

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Bobby_Globule@reddit

MyChart? Yeah, it's a trip navigating it.

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porkchopespresso@reddit

Love the portal. I get all my test results, can see my history, pay, can reach out to doctors or admins through the messaging option. If I need to speak to someone right away I can still call but usually I do not need to do that.

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Chai-Tea-Rex-2525@reddit

Am I in r/boomer?

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Jlr1@reddit

I love it.

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Bratbabylestrange@reddit

I've been seeing my orthopedic surgeons for eight freaking years. Despite my having them walk me through it multiple times, every single time it directs me to a GI practice I saw twice six years ago. And the Ortho receptionists are like, oh, that's weird, never saw that before, sorry! I just love having to wait on hold for the doctors I deal with the most, it's just the funnest .

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raevenx@reddit

My doc is great and so responsive. No phone tag. Hate going to a doctor without a portal.

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SabineLavine@reddit

I really prefer it.

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One-Rip2593@reddit

Fuck no. Thank god they have a portal now! Stupid ass phone trees and being on hold for half an hour just to get a prescription set up. One of the few good things that has happened in healthcare in a long time.

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neanderthalman@reddit

I hate it. I resist all such things.

Until I use them. They truly are better.

I guess what I hate is having to set them up.

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Tinawebmom@reddit

I failed to figure out how to transfer phones with it so now I have my old phone sitting in wait for when it's needed

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Corteran@reddit

I love my portal. I send a message to any of my providers and get a response quickly without having to sit on hold for an hour and bother their staff who are with patients. All of my lab results are entered in quickly, with historical data showing trends, my appts are all there, both future and past, and I use Bitwarden for passwords.

Technology is here, and it's not going away. Adapt or be miserable, but please don't come to the GenX sub and act like a Boomer.

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designocoligist@reddit

I love the portal, which is great because I hate dealing with people. And my doctor usually answers my questions in a couple pf hours

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GypsyKaz1@reddit

You haven't figured out passwords yet? I think you have bigger problems than the patient portal.

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Open_Confidence_9349@reddit

I like the portal. First, I don’t like talking to people in general. Second, there’s no middleman messing up what I said, everything I want the doctor to know is put in the message. Even if it does go through a nurse first, it’s easy for them to copy/paste or for my doctor to go back and look at my original message.

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rraattbbooyy@reddit

I love my portal. I can make appointments with 5 different doctors, schedule blood tests and view 10 results, request prescription refills, get questions answered, and all from an app.

And if the cost of better controlling my own healthcare is maintaining one more password, I will happily accept that trade off.

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Fitz_2112b@reddit

90% of what I would ever need to talk to a doctor's office about can be done via the patient portal. I fucking love it

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Mathchick99@reddit

My introverted, phone-hating self loves the portal.

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ezgomer@reddit

“Get off my lawn!!!”

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MaximumJones@reddit

My health issues are not that significant so I prefer the portal. If I need a prescription or refill, just click the button on the portal.

If I don't want to wait for test results, just read them on the portal. As long as they say "negative" or "normal", no need to go all the way into the city to have my doc tell me the same. 🤷‍♀️

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AZPeakBagger@reddit

At least the Portal is honest. Your labs are there in black and white. Dont have a snide doctor looking down their nose telling you about your ever so slightly elevated cholesterol. I’d rather just read about it.

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Quiet-Neighborhood72@reddit

I went to the doctor this morning and she pointed that out to me when I was asking questions, I said I’m old school and not tech savvy so I’ll ask you my questions, she answered my questions and printed out my records I needed

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Sexy_bi_mom_friend@reddit

Ugggggghhhh the friggin portal. To piggyback on your gripe, WHY WHY WHY do I have to re-enter all my insurance information with each and every friggin provider !!!IN THE SAME SYSTEM!!! and then fill out the intake forms at my appointment?

I get the idea of a portal is swell. But it completely sucks that I have to enter the information three times. Twice virtually and once in person. Ugh.

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Semajrm@reddit

I didn’t go to the doctor for thirty years but these last two years I’ve had multiple tests, mri, and a surgery. The portal thing was the most shocking to me. I’m supposed to open an app to find out if I have cancer or not? Plus all these medical terms I have to google because I didn’t go to med school for eight years. I love tech but this is bullshit.