What is a significant benefit of patient portals in healthcare data management?

Patient portals play a crucial role in modern healthcare management by significantly enhancing patient engagement. This is achieved by providing patients with easier access to their health information, including test results, appointment schedules, and medication lists. When patients can access their records online, they are more likely to take an active role in their own care, which promotes better health outcomes.

By empowering patients with information, portals facilitate more informed discussions during consultations, leading to shared decision-making. Improved engagement not only strengthens the patient-provider relationship but also supports patients in managing their health conditions more effectively. This proactive involvement can ultimately lead to higher satisfaction rates and better adherence to treatment plans, which are essential components in the continuum of care.

In contrast, the other options do not align with the primary purpose of patient portals; they focus on limiting access, reducing communication, or increasing costs, none of which reflect the intended benefits of these systems in healthcare data management.