Portal Features and Functions

Selectively Deploy Portal Features and Functions to Meet Clinic Goals

Portal Features and Functions

Selectively Deploy Portal Features and Functions to Meet Clinic Goals

Select Core Portal Functionalities to Deploy at Initial Launch

A phased approach to portal implementation keeps staff from being overburdened. At the beginning, while efforts are focused on enrollment, it’s important to offer portal functions that address regulatory requirements and have an immediate impact for patients, providers and staff. Features that are popular with patients include clinical messaging, lab results, make/cancel appointments, refill prescriptions, view/download medical record, complete forms and bill pay.

Add Features to Encourage Patient Use as Enrollment Grows

As enrollment grows, adding new portal features will help to increase usage. Features like after-visit summaries, medication lists and immunization records are popular with patients and become easier to operationalize once you have an established portal user base.

An Established Portal User Base Can Enable Efficiencies

As the portal user base grows, you will have the opportunity to implement new features to support your clinic’s operations, such as bill pay, patient education materials, form download, online assessments and e-visit functionality. Closely monitor new and revised features to ensure they are streamlining workflow rather than adding to it.

Implement Appointment Functionality Configured for Your Clinic’s Needs

Portal systems offer clinics a wide array of options for appointment scheduling, ranging from requesting an appointment to displaying established appointments and real-time scheduling of appointments. Appointment functionality is popular with patients and can reduce calls to the clinic.

Download Resources

Portal Appointment Scheduling Workflows - Example of workflows used by a safety-net clinic planning for implementation of real-time appointment scheduling through their portal.

Related Portal Resources

PPKC - Portal Software and Vendors - Management

Portal Technology and Vendor Management

PPKC - Portal Software and Vendors - Landing Page

Portal Landing Page and Password Reset

The information set forth in this Knowledge Center should not be construed as legal or medical advice, a legal or medical opinion on specific facts or representative of the views of the Colorado Health Foundation, its directors, affiliates, agents or representatives unless so stated. This Knowledge Center is not intended as a definitive statement on the subject matter referenced herein. Rather, it is intended to serve as general information for readers, providing practical information for health care organizations seeking to implement and maintain patient portals. By downloading, using or accessing information contained in this Knowledge Center, you agree to be bound by the Terms of Use set forth at http://www.coloradohealth.org/terms-of-use together with all agreements or instruments referenced therein.