Actively involving patients in their own health care through patient engagement is a central component of current health reform activities. This strategy can be implemented to help achieve the “triple aim” of improved health outcomes, improved care quality, and lower costs. The ability of health care providers to securely share information with patients through patient portals has been one measurement of patient engagement under the Medicare and Medicaid Electronic Health Record (EHR) Incentive Programs.The Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC) recently released a “playbook” to help health care providers use technology to engage patients through patient portals. The patient portal is an important tool that can provide patients with the knowledge, access to information and confidence to manage their own health and health care.
Important NACHC Library Content Note: This technical assistance resource was developed prior to the August 2017 release of the Health Center Compliance Manual by the Health Resources and Services Administration’s (HRSA) Bureau of Primary Health Care (BPHC). The BPHC Compliance Manual, issued August 2017, indicates where PINS, PALs and other program guidance are now superseded or subsumed by the BPHC Compliance Manual.
This project was supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).
