I found thing like hernias they they didn't tell me about, kidney damage never told me, So yes they are very helpful

I like it but you have to be careful what you put in writing as it becomes part of your medical records.

The most interesting thing I found on mine (for my PCP) was the pain index for that day "0".....
No one asked me.
My visit wasn't for the FMS, but still, ..... I mentioned it to my Dr, and sure enough, the next one had the same thing. I'll really get on to him the next time.
My specialist for the FMS doesn't have a patient portal. Heck, she doesn't do ANYTHING on the computer! I still have a file folder, and it's over 3 inches thick, after it's been thinned out! LOL! But, no way to look back at anything, so I do like the patient portal, personally.

My group of medical care physicians have a website with the access to test results and such. I find it very useful. I do not write into it. I can add notes to something I want to remember. I am able to read the after visit summary of my appointment. It is really cool.

I like having access to my medical records because I learn more. The doctor sometimes writes things he doesn't tell me. That's important to me. I need to know what he thinks about my health. I've learned a few things by being able to read my records and it's been very revealing.