Overview

The Patient Portal provides a user-friendly interface for patients to engage with their healthcare, view records, communicate with providers, and manage appointments—all in compliance with patient access requirements.

Key Features

Health Records Access

• Medical History: Problems, diagnoses, procedures
• Medications: Current and past medications
• Allergies: Drug and food allergies
• Immunizations: Vaccination history
• Test Results: Labs and imaging (after provider review)
• Visit Summaries: After visit summaries (AVS)
• Clinical Notes: Provider documentation
• Download: CCD (Continuity of Care Document) export

Appointments

• Schedule: Book appointments online
• View Upcoming: Calendar view of scheduled visits
• Reschedule/Cancel: Self-service management
• Pre-Registration: Complete forms before visit
• Telehealth: Join video visits
• Wait Times: Real-time wait time estimates

Secure Messaging

• Provider Messages: Direct secure communication with care team
• Attachments: Share photos/documents
• Response SLA: Provider response within 48 hours
• Topic Selection: Appointment, medication, billing, general

Prescriptions

• View Medications: Current medication list
• Request Refills: Electronic refill requests
• Pharmacy: Update preferred pharmacy
• Medication History: Past medications

Billing & Payments

• View Statements: Current balance and history
• Pay Online: Credit card, debit card, ACH
• Payment Plans: Set up installment plans
• Insurance: View coverage information
• Copay Estimates: Before visit estimates

Health Management

• Care Plans: View and track care plans
• Health Maintenance: Preventive care reminders
• Educational Materials: Personalized health education
• Health Trackers: Blood pressure, glucose, weight
• Care Gaps: Identified care opportunities

Technology Stack

• Frontend: React, Next.js, TypeScript
• Mobile: React Native (iOS + Android)
• Backend: Node.js, NestJS
• Database: PostgreSQL
• Cache: Redis
• FHIR API: Integration with EHR Service
• Identity: OAuth 2.0, SMART on FHIR

Security & Privacy

Authentication

• Username/password
• Multi-factor authentication (SMS, email, authenticator app)
• Biometric (mobile): Touch ID, Face ID
• Password complexity requirements
• Account lockout after failed attempts

Authorization

• Patient owns their data
• Proxy access (parent/child, authorized representative)
• Break-the-glass not applicable (patient access always allowed)

Audit Logging

• All access logged for HIPAA compliance
• Patient can view access log
• Suspicious activity alerts

Session Management

• 15-minute idle timeout
• Secure session cookies
• Force logout on password change

21st Century Cures Act Compliance

Information Blocking

• No Blocking: Cannot block patient access to EHI (Electronic Health Information)
• Timely Access: Results available without delay after provider review
• No Fees: Cannot charge for electronic access
• API Access: Must support app-based access (FHIR API)

Patient Access API

• FHIR-based API for third-party apps
• SMART on FHIR authorization
• Scope-based access (patient/*.read)
• Rate limiting for stability

User Experience

Mobile-First Design

• Responsive web design
• Native mobile apps (iOS + Android)
• Push notifications
• Offline capability (view cached data)

Accessibility

• WCAG 2.1 AA compliant
• Screen reader support
• High contrast mode
• Keyboard navigation
• Multiple languages (English, Spanish, Chinese, Vietnamese)

Personalization

• Dashboard widgets customizable
• Notification preferences
• Preferred language
• Timezone awareness

Performance

• Page load time: < 2 seconds
• API response: < 500ms
• Mobile app startup: < 3 seconds
• 99.9% uptime (planned maintenance windows)

Patient Engagement Metrics

• Activation Rate: % of patients who activate account
• Monthly Active Users: MAU
• Feature Usage: Most used features
• Appointment No-Show: Reduction via reminders
• Message Volume: Secure messages vs phone calls
• Patient Satisfaction: NPS score

Integration Points

• EHR Service: Patient data via FHIR API
• Appointment Service: Scheduling integration
• Lab Systems: Test results
• Imaging Systems: Radiology reports
• Billing: Statements and payments
• Patient Education: Health literacy content