A recent study of 1,000 U.S. adults conducted by IDR Medical, an international healthcare marketing company, found that 79 percent of patients would be more likely to return to a facility that offers online image portal and 76 percent indicated they would recommend the facility to others. Yet many providers are missing this referral opportunity.
Allowing patients with the opportunity for more access to their health information can lead to improving patient engagement which ultimately leads to improved diagnosis.
In March, 2013, Carestream commissioned IDR Medical GmbH, an international marketing consultancy servicing the healthcare industry, to conduct a survey of U.S. toward patient portal technologies.based medical patients regarding certain attitudes
The survey asked what patients are looking for in terms of medical images, patient portals, and online access to those images. Some of the myth busting perferences include:
- Age has little impact, 59 percent of respondents over the age of 71 were very likely to use an image portal
- Need to manage family members images a driver for portal use
Myth: IT Competency Can Restrict Use
- Even when self-assessed as very basic IT competency, patients are still very likely to use the imaging portal
Myth: Security Concerns Prevent Use
- Only 17 percent of survey respondents are unlikely to use an imaging portal
- 4 out of 7 cite security concerns

Carestream is a global manufacturer and marketer of diagnostic imaging technologies. The company’s product portfolio includes dental and medical imaging systems and healthcare IT solutions; X-ray film and digital X-ray systems for non-destructive testing and advanced materials for the precision films and electronics markets.
Featured image credit via Carestream