FAQs
Read on to learn more about the AAFP Physicians Direct Clinical Message Portal
Can we use the portal even if we don't have an EHR system?
Yes. The portal allows you to exchange information even if you do not have an EHR, including any data that is in electronic format. It allows you to collaborate with other providers regardless of EHR use and across health systems or regional networks; ensuring you can extend the consistency of patient care.
We already have an EHR–will the portal work with it?
Even if you have an EHR system, chances are you still need to communicate outside of your practice. In fact, 86 percent of practices that use EHRs still send info by fax because their system can't communicate across networks1. With the AAFP Physicians Direct Clinical Message Portal you can send messages to any provider in the country even if they are not using a compatible EHR.
Is there a limit to the size or number or messages I receive?
There is no limit to the number of messages you send or receive–our service is priced for unlimited use. In addition, we support larger file size limits than standard emails–can send files of up to 125 MB–which allows you to send things like photos and images.
Is there any software or hardware required to use the portal?
The portal runs on any platform, equipped with a standard web browser, including Internet Explorer, Safari, Firefox and Chrome. No additional software or hardware is required.
How much does it cost and is there any long-term commitment or obligation?
The standard costs are $15 per month, per physician, or $180 a year. You can cancel your subscription at any time without penalty and your practice will no longer be billed the monthly rate.
Can I share information with a provider that is not a subscriber to the portal?
You can share information with any provider that has email, whether or not they are a subscriber. For non-subscribers, the portal will notify them they have a message waiting, and grant them access to the information you wish to share.
What types of information can I share using the clinical message portal?
The portal allows providers to share a broad array of healthcare information, including discharge and visit summaries, patient charts, referrals, lab orders and results. You can electronically share virtually any kind of clinical message that is required for patient care.
Why is AAFP Collaborating with Surescripts to enable this service?
The Surescripts Network for Clinical Interoperability allows clinical information to be exchanged securely and electronically, between healthcare providers, on a national basis. Surescripts has extensive experience and is a recognized leader in developing networks that facilitate the secure exchange of healthcare information. This is evidenced by the Surescripts Nation's E-Prescription Network, a neutral, secure network that currently handles over 3 million transactions per day and has support the growth of e-prescribing to its status as the most common electronic clinical message in the U.S.
How does it support meaningful use?
AAFP Physicians Direct Clinical Message Portal supports the achievement of Meaningful Use Stage 1 objectives, which includes electronic health data exchange between colleagues and for electronic provision of clinical summaries for patients. It also supports Stage 2 and 3 objectives, which will raise the bar on these exchange capabilities to include making electronic communications with a patient's routine.
Get Started:
Just $15 a month per physician for unlimited access to the AAFP Physicians Direct Clinical Message Portal.
1 2011 Electronic Clinical Information Exchange Survey - US Physicians, WCG - Kelton Group
