Dad (a baby boomer): How do you do that thing where you refill your prescriptions online? I want to be able to do that.
Me: Do you have an account set up to access your electronic chart?
Dad: No.
Me: I can make one for you...Prepare to have your mind blown.
I made him an account, downloaded the app onto his iPhone, and set up fingerprint verification for him so he can log in easier because he always forgets his passwords.
Me: Here you can access all of your test results including bloodwork, x-rays, ultrasounds, etc. You can also schedule appointments, request refills, pay co-pays, and send messages to your doctor.
Dad: 😲 And they'll respond?
Me: Yeah, you can attach pictures as well to make their lives easier. I've done it before. Depends on the doctor, but they usually respond within 24 hours. It's helpful for diagnosing simple stuff like a rash. The app also has the virtual urgent care feature, so you can schedule a video call with a doctor in the system. It won't be with your own doctor, but if you have a quick question or aren't sure if you should see someone in person, then it can be useful. I almost never call the actual doctor's office anymore unless I have to. But you obviously can't schedule surgery, procedures, and post-op appointments yourself -- you have to call the office in those cases.
Dad: And you've been using this for how long?
Me: Almost 5 years now.
Dad: I'm so behind.
Me: It's okay -- as one of the youths, my immediate instinct is to avoid all human interaction and do everything online if I can. 😅
