Mayo-Epic collaboration to help patients assess symptoms

Patients using the Epic MyChart patient portal now have free access to a symptom assessment tool from the Mayo Clinic if their provider elects to offer the service.

Participating providers will embed the “Ask Mayo Clinic” option within the EHR for patients to select the tool. The symptom tool, running 36 algorithms covering more than 300 symptoms, was developed for patients 18 months or older and females who are not pregnant.

The Epic patient portal enables patients to track their health status, communicate with physicians and access their EHR, among other functions.

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“Ask Mayo Clinic Online offers trusted and accessible care guidance when you need it, anytime and anywhere,” says Sandhya Pruthi, MD, associate medical director at Mayo Clinic Global Business Solutions. “Care guidance, based on the user’s selection of symptoms and responses to relevant questions, includes more information about possible causes tied to the symptoms, and in most cases provides recommendations on home care in non-emergency situations.”

Patients must sign up for an account to access the symptom tracker, which is compatible with most web browsers. The assessment account can be used on behalf of all members of a family.