As users and clinical professionals of eClinicalWorks (eCW) and its patient portal, Healow, we call on eCW to implement a 500-character limit on patient messages.

Why this matters:

1. Medico-Legal Risk: As providers, we are obligated to read every patient message in full to ensure no critical details are overlooked. Unlimited-length messages increase the chance of miscommunication, missed symptoms, or delayed responses, thus exposing providers and practices to unnecessary liability.
2. Workflow Disruption: Patients often use the portal for lengthy, unfocused messages that would be more appropriate for a scheduled appointment. This leads to unbillable clinical care, excessive message review time, and team member burnout.
3. Patient Safety: A character limit encourages patients to focus their concerns, improving clarity and reducing delays in triage or appropriate follow-up. It also discourages misuse of the portal for emergent or complex issues that require real-time evaluation.
4. Improve Our Efficiency: No other form of professional medical communication (e.g. phone, fax, or visit) offers unlimited, asynchronous access without structure. A 500-character limit would align Healow with industry standards and protect providers' time and resources while still preserving access for patients.
5. Expedite Patient Care: Shorter messages help providers to review and respond more quickly, and would help to speed up patient care.

eCW has refused to act despite numerous user concerns. We ask eCW to prioritize safety, professionalism, and care quality by instituting this enhancement for a simple, reasonable character limit.

Please add your name and credentials to this petition to support providers, clinical staff, and safe, efficient patient care.