Case Study: Mr. TR’s Patient Portal Use Becomes Inappropriate

Mr. TR established care with you about 18 months ago. At the first visit he set up his patient portal. Initially he used the portal to communicate information about his care in an appropriate manner. Recently, TR has been using the portal more and more often. He has occasionally included information about his partner, who is also a patient of the practice, but sees a different provider. Much of the information he is sharing is not germane to medical care you provide for him. Also, some of this information, especially about his partner, should not be included in his medical record. He is otherwise is an appropriate patient. How should you proceed?

Diagnosis:

Inappropriate portal use

Recommendation:

• Consider setting up an additional office visit to discuss use of the portal system
• Review your practice’s portal setting and instructions
• Review your practice’s guidelines on handling information received through the portal

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