Which mode of communication is commonly used for patient portal messages?

Which mode of communication is commonly used for patient portal messages?

• A. Electronic
• B. Verbal
• C. Written
• D. Nonverbal

Answer: (A)

Patient portals are built for electronic messaging. The mode of communication is electronic because messages are sent and received through a secure online system, are text-based, and are stored in the patient’s chart for access by both patient and clinician. Verbal communication would involve spoken words in person or by phone, nonverbal refers to gestures or expressions, and while written could describe text, the portal’s method is digital, not paper-based. The electronic format supports asynchronous, private, and time-stamped messages, making electronic the best description of how these portal communications occur.

Patient portals are built for electronic messaging. The mode of communication is electronic because messages are sent and received through a secure online system, are text-based, and are stored in the patient’s chart for access by both patient and clinician. Verbal communication would involve spoken words in person or by phone, nonverbal refers to gestures or expressions, and while written could describe text, the portal’s method is digital, not paper-based. The electronic format supports asynchronous, private, and time-stamped messages, making electronic the best description of how these portal communications occur.