Here’s a recent survey finding that isn’t too surprising: according to patients, the communication with their doctor and access or interaction with their EHR data has yet to reach a level that meets their expectations.

In a June 2012 survey of physicians, hospital executives and adult consumers, Optum Institute dug into the topics of health information technology and various aspects of patient-centered care. What the study found, not surprisingly, is that “consumers are well ahead of providers in their willingness and ability to engage using health IT,” Optum noted in the introduction to a report on the findings. “Consumers increasingly seek out information and communicate online, while provider health IT systems lag behind.” (To read the Optum report, “Meaningful Patient Engagement,” click here.)

This area of patient-doctor communication, and improved access to EHRs, is going to become more critical as the federal Meaningful Use regulations come into play.  According to Stage 2 of Meaningful Use requirements, 50% of a health provider‘s patients should be able to access the EHR and also communicate with their health provider online. In addition, at least 5% of patients must be able to use online tools and “engage in secure messaging with providers,” according to Optum.

But, as shown here in a few of Optum’s findings, there seems to be quite a way to go to reach the Stage 2 requirements:

• 70% of physicians have at least basic EHR capabilities, but only 40 percent currently have an EHR that supports email communication or patient access to health records.
• Patients use e-mail and text: Nearly two-thirds of consumers are interested or very interested in receiving appointment reminders by e-mail and 40% want text reminders.
• Consumers want to use online tools: three-quarters want to get test results and access their medical records online.

At Medivo, we want to help physicians use new technology to improve their interaction with patients. The unique Medivo platform collects clinical data from labs, as well as symptom data from apps and devices, that can be used to help physicians provide better care and enhance the doctor-patient conversation.

These reporting services are free for both patient and physicians.

The Medivo technology and monitoring services also help patients in their effort to track their health through easy-to-understand explanations of lab results, and with relevant education information.

And with Medivo’s easy-to-understand reports, physicians can leverage data more efficiently and thus they can use their time toward improving patient interaction, which is what patients are expecting.