Patient-Reported Experiences With Viewing and Understanding Test Results in Patient Portals: Cross-Sectional Survey Analysis
By
Chelsea Richwine
Bryan Steitz
Jordan Everson
June 12, 2026
Clinical Scorecard: Experiences of Patients in Accessing and Interpreting Test Results Through Health Portals: A Cross-Sectional Survey Study
At a Glance
Category Detail
Condition Accessing and interpreting test results via health portals Key Mechanisms Immediate release of test results to patients, compliance with the 21st Century Cures Act Target Population U.S. noninstitutionalized adults with recent test results Care Setting Health care organizations utilizing patient portals
Key Highlights
Patients overwhelmingly prefer immediate access to test results. Concerns exist regarding the emotional impact of viewing results without HCP context. Patient preferences for result communication vary by result severity. Digital literacy affects patient understanding of test results. 76% of respondents were encouraged by their HCP to use the patient portal. Guideline-Based Recommendations
Diagnosis
Assess patient understanding of test results and implications. Management
Provide context and interpretation of test results during healthcare visits. Monitoring & Follow-up
Evaluate patient preferences for how test results are communicated. Risks
Consider potential negative emotions from immediate access to sensitive results. Patient & Prescribing Data
6045 patients with recent test results
Patients' understanding of results varies with digital literacy and health status.
Clinical Best Practices
Encourage HCPs to discuss test results with patients promptly. Offer patients options for how they receive test results. Monitor patient feedback on the accessibility and clarity of test results. Related Resources & Content
