A new research study from KLAS entitled “Patient Portals 2012: The Path of Least Resistance” describes how convenience and the ease of integration that comes from having an established relationship with an EMR vendor are the primary factors providers use to choose a patient portal.
The study examines the patient portal market, which is on the verge of a growth spurt due to Stage 2 Meaningful Use requirements. The report focused on which solutions providers are using and what role they play in their long-term health care strategies for patient engagement. Respondents included a mix of health systems, hospitals, and clinics.
Providers needing to connect a number of disparate EMRs were the only group more likely to opt for a best-of-breed solution. “The existing EMR vendor relationship appears to be more important than any other factor when choosing a patient portal,” said report author Mark Allphin. “While functionality and ease of use are important to providers, they take a backseat compared to providers’ desire to manage fewer vendors and interfaces.”
The report is available online to health care providers and vendors. Providers receive a significant discount off the standard retail price.
[source: KLAS]
