Stewart Levy
- What is the first step? Assess the availability of patient portals and what they provide the employers and employees, looking at features and benefits. You can access the needs of the client, making sure processes match the client’s needs.
- What’s the cost? It depends on what you’re doing. To build it from scratch is a very high cost. There are companies that have templates providing services you may need. These programs may range from $25,000 to $50,000. Other options are available and have a complete program billed per employee per month.
- Is it essential to be part of the health system site? It’s not necessary. The advantage is the identity can be very specific to your occ med program.
- Is a patient portal necessary? If the goal is a participatory program, you need the portal. A robust website would also be possible, but it’s just a one-way system.
- Who controls the security? The licensing organization is governed by HIPAA and responsible for security. It’s recommended you back up data to have for coaching and follow-up interventions.
- Who should be responsible for site maintenance? Your vendor license defines the maintenance. The program can identify a super user who would be the point person to develop monthly programs available for the client. Make sure whomever you contract has templates available to provide models to choose from. The social media function is important to have for Facebook, Twitter, and others. Make sure you look at what services you want patients to have access to.
