Most Benchmark readers are no stranger to Meaningful Use and its requirements - some more challenging than others. However, Core Objective #17, Use secure electronic messaging to communicate with patients on relevant health information, may be easier than you think. If you already have the portal in place, it's simply a matter of getting patients to use it.

According to the British Medical Journal, a July 2013 study of focus group responses in three Northern Virginia practices found that patients were more likely to use a Personal Health Record (PHR) if their physician was an enthusiastic supporter of the technology. 

 

Additionally, patients were more likely to register on their physician's portal when they had a top of mind awareness of the practice such as an upcoming appointment. 

 

What does this mean for you? Consider these communication strategies to increase patient registration on your portal.

1.   Frequently promote the positive benefits (CMS bonuses!) of patient participation on your website to your providers. Encourage them to say positive things about the portal to patients during the visit. 

2.   Incentivize your providers and staff members for signing-up patients (one practice held a contest and rewarded a pizza lunch to the department with the most registrations!).

3.   Hold a weekly drawing for patients who register at a kiosk or on a tablet while at your office. A $50 gift card or gas card is a valued prize.

4.   Finally, don't rely on posters or easel cards in the reception area to encourage patients to register. Script your receptionists to ask every incoming patient if they've registered for your website, and then offer a card with the sign-up information for their use at home.