Why are patient portal apps so clunky?

While it can bring some efficiencies, there is still a long way to go before the promise of digital health management is realised. (Image: Getty)

Ben Moore

Fri, 13 Oct 2023

The way that people interact with primary healthcare is, like everything else in the world, going increasingly digital – but the current transition phase is causing some consternation.Primary healthcare has historically been analogue, with patients calling into their medical centre of choice to arrange an appointment and then, at that appointment, the medical professional giving all the information and prescriptions to the patient.Today, online self-service applications, commonly called patient portals, are becoming increasingly popular a...

Unlock all stories free for 10 days

Stay informed on business, government and financial developments across New Zealand.

Deeply researched, twice-edited and fact-checked news
Annual subscribers also receive a complimentary subscription to The Wall Street Journal
Personalised email news alerts, plus gift up to 5 stories a month to non-subscribers

We won’t charge for 10 days. You can cancel anytime with two clicks, an email or a phone call. Find out more.

We are serious about journalism.

Name {{ registerForm.errors.get('name') }}

Email address {{ registerForm.errors.get('email') }}

Phone Number {{ registerForm.errors.get('phone') }}

Job Title {{ registerForm.errors.get('title') }}

Password Minimum password length of 8 characters.
Require at least one upper and lowercase, numeric, and special character. {{ registerForm.errors.get('password') }}

Repeat password {{ registerForm.errors.get('password_confirmation') }}

We had trouble validating your card. It's possible your card provider is preventing us from charging the card. Please contact your card provider or customer support.

Credit Card

Cardholder's name

{{ __(plans[index].interval) | capitalize }} {{ plans[index].attributes.old_price | currency }} {{ plans[index].price | currency }}

You will be charged in 10 days unless you cancel beforehand.
We will remind you three times before charging you.
All subscriptions auto renew but are easy to cancel.

I Accept The Terms Of Service

{{ registerForm.errors.get('terms') }}

Tax: {{ taxAmount(selectedPlan) | currency }}

Total Price Including Tax: {{ priceWithTax(selectedPlan) | currency }} {{ selectedPlan.type == 'user' && spark.chargesUsersPerSeat ? '/ '+ spark.seatName : '' }} {{ selectedPlan.type == 'user' && spark.chargesUsersPerTeam ? '/ '+ __('teams.team') : '' }} / {{ __(selectedPlan.interval) | capitalize }}

Property

Kāinga Ora CEO leaving with golden handshake

The new-look, post-review housing agency is not what the CEO signed up for, chair says.

Maria Slade 3:15pm

The Quiz Free

QuiznessDesk: Monday, July 01

Can you answer all ten questions correctly?

The Quizmaster 9:15am

Economy

Independent costings needed for tough political decisions

The time is now for an Independent Fiscal Institution.

Cameron Bagrie 7:40am

Independent costings needed for tough political decisions

Sponsored

Smart chargers don't just charge EVs

They also take the pressure off a stressed power network - We.EV

We.EV

Sponsored

Big change coming to insurance

Industry reset sees risk-based pricing coming for many homeowners.

VERO

More Health

News in Brief

Kiwibank director joins Evolution Healthcare chair

Scott Pickering has been appointed chair of Evolution Healthcare and director of Fidelity Life.Evolution Healthcare is a private healthcare operator and Fidelity Life is New Zealand’s largest locally-owned life insurer.His position at Evolution Healthcare began on Monday and the...

Staff reporters 2:00pm