I live in an area that is well serviced by a medical monopoly that covers 3 counties. Tues, I called to make an apt for what I believed was a minor issue. I was given an apt for later that day. During my intake the PA found an abdominal mass. I had a CAT scan that afternoon, before I got home, the DR called me with the results (after 5pm). By the time I got home the CT scans were posted to my electronic medical records and available for my viewing. Two days later I had an MRI, I got my results within one hour and was able to view them on my patient portal once I got home. This Tuesday I meet with the surgeon to discuss my options.
I think that a lot of problems with medical systems across the country have to do with densely populated urban areas, and some underserved rural areas. In my case I was spared a trek to Ptlnd. for second opinions. This was effortlessly completed with the seamless electronic transmission of medical records and imaging results. In most areas there also much difficulty in retrieving medical records and history and transferring them to other offices. My electronic medical records are delivered seamlessly via an online patient portal. This portal makes my electronic records available at any time. I can look up previous office visits, meds, request prescription refills, see billing and charges, see test results, Drs notes, notes of others called in on a consultation basis, vax records etc. The monopoly also covers chiropractic, nutritionists, PT, OT, and acupuncture. Locally there are still Drs. not a part of this system, typically these are physicians and surgeons who deal in elective cases.