Patient Portals and Communication Technology is a driving force in our society. People can now manage their bank accounts, pay bills and get news with the click of a mouse. It makes sense for the healthcare industry to join these web-based initiatives. More and more providers are using online patient portals as a way to communicate with patients and give them access to important health information. Although patient portals are still emerging, positive results are being reported by both patients and healthcare professionals. Online patient portals enable more effective communications between patients and their healthcare providers by developing stronger, more widely used relationships and creating a way to deliver information to patients more efficiently. Through this improved communication there will be patients who are more actively involved in their treatment, have stronger relationships with their healthcare providers, and in many cases have improved medical conditions. Online patient portals are used in healthcare offices and hospitals across the country. A patient portal is a secure website where patients can email their providers, view and pay bills, request appointments, research healthcare topics, review personal information, complete medical forms, and update their profiles and contact information ( Ellis). Additionally, some patient portals offer health tracking tools, such as food diaries, body mass index calculators, depression screenings, and personalized plans to help patients quit smoking or lose weight (“Your doctor will send you a email now”). These portals provide patients with a new way to stay connected to their healthcare providers… half of the paper… the patient portal is explained and then start using the secure messaging feature (“Use Case Studies significant". These kiosks can also be used as a patient education tool, so patients can learn more about their health while in the office (“Meaningful Use Case Studies”). Communication and strong patient-provider relationships are two key aspects of a successful healthcare organization. Patient portals provide the technology to improve both of these aspects and create the most effective and personalized care for the patient. Effective communication strategies are essential for healthcare organizations because the patient's health depends on them. Patient portals create an efficient environment where the patient feels connected to their healthcare provider and communication is effectively guided through interaction both inside and outside the office.