Patient Portal
A secure web-based application that lets patients access portions of their health information and communicate with the practice.
1 min read · Last reviewed May 23, 2026
At a glance
- Category
- Documentation
- Primary sources
- 2
- Workspace handoff
- ask d3 →
Where this comes up
Providers meet this term in the chart and at the post-visit review — encounter notes, problem lists, medication reconciliation, signed orders, and the time/elements that defend the billed code. If documentation does not support the code, the code does not survive an audit.
Full definition
What it is in practice
CMS Promoting Interoperability and ONC information-blocking rules require timely electronic access to designated record set content. Most modern EHRs include a patient portal.
How it shows up in your practice
Configure portal to display the EHI scope required by ONC. Train staff on portal-message triage and the documentation/coding for portal-based digital E/M.
Sources
- ONC — Information Blockinghttps://www.healthit.gov/topic/information-blocking
- CMS — Promoting Interoperability Programshttps://www.cms.gov/medicare/regulations-guidance/promoting-interoperability-programs
Look up portal-message coding in Ask D3
Open ask d3 →Related terms
- Compliance ProgramInformation BlockingUnder the 21st Century Cures Act, a practice, action, or interference (other than required by law or covered by an exception) that prevents access, exchange, or use of electronic health information.
- Compliance ProgramEHI (Electronic Health Information)Electronic protected health information to the extent that it would be included in a designated record set, plus other identifying health information held by an actor.
- HIPAA & PrivacyPatient Right of AccessThe HIPAA right of an individual to inspect and obtain a copy of their PHI in a designated record set.
- TelehealthOnline Digital E/M (CPT 99421-99423)CPT codes for online digital evaluation and management services provided by a physician for an established patient over the patient portal or other secure platform.
- Compliance ProgramPromoting InteroperabilityThe CMS program (formerly Meaningful Use) that rewards demonstrated use of CEHRT to improve patient care.
D3rx is a healthcare-billing and compliance research aid maintained by D3rx Inc. Articles are drafted by an LLM (Anthropic Claude) against primary HHS, OCR, CMS, eCFR, NIST, and state-regulator publications, and reviewed for restraint and source fidelity by the D3rx team.
Reviewer status: a named credentialed reviewer (CHC, CHPC, or healthcare attorney) is being engaged. Until that engagement is finalized, this page does not claim credentialed review.
Related across the archive
- GlossaryEHI (Electronic Health Information)Electronic protected health information to the extent that it would be included in a designated record set, plus other identifying health information held by an actor.
- GlossaryInformation BlockingUnder the 21st Century Cures Act, a practice, action, or interference (other than required by law or covered by an exception) that prevents access, exchange, or use of electronic health information.
- GlossaryPromoting InteroperabilityThe CMS program (formerly Meaningful Use) that rewards demonstrated use of CEHRT to improve patient care.
- GlossaryOnline Digital E/M (CPT 99421-99423)CPT codes for online digital evaluation and management services provided by a physician for an established patient over the patient portal or other secure platform.
- GlossaryPatient Right of AccessThe HIPAA right of an individual to inspect and obtain a copy of their PHI in a designated record set.
- GlossaryProblem ListThe structured list of active and resolved diagnoses maintained in the electronic health record.
- ComplianceHIPAA Right of Access Requests (45 CFR § 164.524): Respond Inside 30 DaysA 2026 HIPAA right-of-access procedure citing 45 CFR § 164.524, the 30-day window, OCR Right of Access Initiative settlements ($3,500–$240,000 through 2025), and the patient response packet.
- RegulationInformation Blocking Rule Overview (45 CFR Part 171)The 21st Century Cures Act information blocking provisions and the ONC rule prohibiting actions by providers, health IT developers, and HINs/HIEs that interfere with electronic health information access, exchange, or use.
This glossary entry is a research aid for billing and compliance staff. It does not provide legal, medical, or financial advice and does not replace counsel. References cited link to primary sources at HHS, OCR, CMS, eCFR, NIST, and the relevant payer or industry body.