Patients Get More Control Control of Health Care Through Internet

Portals for physicians and patients can really help with communication process and allow the patient the opportunity to look up lab results and other information related to their health records. No more sitting on the phone waiting for lab results...I think almost every patient has been there/done that, and can relate to the convenience of not having to wait, plus the patient has access to email the physician with non urgent inquiries too. BD

Scott Royster was diagnosed with diabetes two years ago and is now trying to learn everything he can about the disease, including how to treat it.
He's using a new web-based program that helps him keep track of most of his medical history.
"See, I'm one of those that I love computer stuff and to be able to access stuff on my own instead of having to ask what's in my file....I can go look it up myself," said Royster.
The "Internet Patient Portal" has now been rolled out at the "Amarillo Medical Specialists Office". "It really improves the coordination of care in a lot ways. Patients can communicate with us if they're having a problem, a lot more easily," said Dr. William C. Biggs, an Endocrinologist.
Dr. Biggs said this program is especially great for diabetes patients because it allows patients to learn the results of their lab work more quickly. Dr. Biggs said as far as he knows his office is the first in Amarillo to roll out the Portal. He said 70 to 80% of his patients are introduced to the program.