MyChart: Understanding the Patient Portal and Your Health Information
MyChart is a patient portal that allows patients of participating healthcare organizations to access and manage health information online. Depending on the healthcare organization and the features it provides, MyChart may allow you to view medical records, test results, medications, appointments, messages, bills, and other information related to your care.
This guide explains what MyChart is, what you may be able to do through the portal, and how to better understand the health information you see there.
Important: MyHealthChart is an independent health education website. It is not the official MyChart service and is not affiliated with or operated by Epic. Features and availability can vary depending on your healthcare organization.
What Is MyChart?
MyChart is a patient portal associated with Epic’s healthcare software. Healthcare organizations that use Epic can provide patients with access to health information through MyChart. Epic describes MyChart as a way for patients to interact with their healthcare providers and access health information electronically through a web browser or mobile device.
The exact features available to you depend on your healthcare organization. Some patients may be able to review test results, medications, appointments, health summaries, messages, documents, billing information, and other healthcare information through their account.
MyChart is therefore more than a place to view a single medical result. It can serve as a digital connection between patients and their healthcare organizations.
How Does MyChart Work?
MyChart access is generally connected to the healthcare organization where you receive care. Your organization creates or provides access to your patient portal account, and the information available in your account comes from the healthcare systems connected to that organization.
When you use MyChart, you may be able to:
- Review available health information
- View test and laboratory results
- Review medications
- Manage or view appointments
- Communicate with your care team
- View medical documents and visit information
- Access billing or insurance information where available
- Manage certain account and notification settings
- Connect certain health apps or services where supported
The available features are not identical for every patient or organization. Epic’s current MyChart information lists features including test results, medications, health summaries, appointments, messages, documents, billing, insurance information, and other services.
What Can You See in MyChart?
The information displayed in MyChart depends on your healthcare organization, the care you have received, and which features the organization has enabled.
Common types of information may include:
Test Results
MyChart can allow patients to view results from tests performed through participating healthcare organizations. Some organizations may also provide notifications when new results become available.
If you see a result that you do not understand, look at the test name, result value, reference range, units, and any comments provided by your healthcare team.
Laboratory Results
Blood tests and other laboratory investigations may appear in your MyChart account when the healthcare organization makes them available.
A laboratory result can contain several pieces of information, including: Test name, Result value, Units, Reference range, Abnormal or normal indicators, Collection date, Result date, Laboratory comments
Medications
Depending on the organization, MyChart may display your medication list, instructions, refill options, and other medication-related information.
Always use the medication information provided by your healthcare professional and contact your healthcare organization if information in your record appears incorrect or incomplete.
Appointments
MyChart may allow patients to view upcoming and past appointments and, depending on the organization, schedule, request, cancel, or reschedule appointments. Some organizations also provide digital check-in and other pre-visit features.
Messages and Communication
Some MyChart users can communicate electronically with their healthcare team through secure messages. Availability and response times depend on the healthcare organization and the type of message.
Medical Records and Documents
Depending on the organization, you may be able to view or download certain health records, visit summaries, clinical notes, documents, or other information.
How to Understand MyChart Test Results
Seeing a test result in your patient portal can sometimes be confusing, especially when a result is marked as high, low, abnormal, positive, negative, pending, or outside a reference range.
Start by looking at the complete result rather than focusing only on the highlighted value.
- What test was performed?
- What is the reported result?
- What units are being used?
- What reference range is shown?
- Is the result marked abnormal, high, or low?
- Are there comments from the laboratory or healthcare professional?
- Does the result need to be interpreted alongside symptoms, medical history, medications, or other tests?
Reference ranges can differ between laboratories and testing methods. Therefore, the range shown with your own result is important when reading a report.
Read our detailed guide:
What Does "Abnormal" Mean on MyChart?
An “abnormal” or similar flag generally means that the reported value falls outside the reference range used by that laboratory or testing system.
It does not automatically mean that you have a disease or that something is seriously wrong.
Healthcare professionals interpret results in context. They may consider your symptoms, medical history, medications, age, other results, and the reason the test was ordered.
For that reason, avoid interpreting one flagged result in isolation.
What Does a Reference Range Mean?
A reference range is a range of values used by a laboratory to help interpret a particular test.
Reference ranges can vary because laboratories may use different testing methods, equipment, populations, and statistical approaches.
When reviewing a result in MyChart, use the reference range displayed with that specific result rather than assuming that a range found somewhere else online applies to you.
If you are unsure what your result means, your healthcare professional or the laboratory that performed the test can provide appropriate context.
What Does "Pending" Mean in MyChart?
A pending result generally means that the result has not yet been finalized or released in the patient portal.
Some tests take longer to process than others. Results may also become available at different times when several tests were ordered together.
If a result remains pending longer than expected, contact the healthcare organization that ordered the test.
Can MyChart Results Change?
Some results may be updated, corrected, finalized, or supplemented with additional information.
For example, a preliminary result may later be followed by a final result. A healthcare organization may also add comments or other information after a result initially appears.
If you notice a change or correction, consider the most recent information and contact your healthcare provider if you have questions.
Can You See Old Medical Results in MyChart?
Depending on the healthcare organization’s system and how far back its records are available, MyChart may allow you to view previous test results and other historical health information. Epic states that MyChart can provide access to recent and past test results where the feature is available.
The amount of historical information available can vary.
If an older result is missing, your healthcare organization’s medical records department may be able to explain what information is available and how you can request records.
Can MyChart Show Information From Different Healthcare Organizations?
Some MyChart users can connect information from participating healthcare organizations through features such as MyChart Central or other interoperability tools.
Epic describes MyChart Central as allowing users to access multiple linked MyChart accounts with a single Epic ID, where participating organizations support the feature.
However, availability depends on the organizations involved and the services they support.
MyChart on Mobile Devices
MyChart is also available through mobile applications for supported devices. Epic states that its patient mobile applications connect to systems maintained by healthcare organizations using Epic to provide patients with access to health information.
The exact mobile features available can depend on your healthcare organization and the version of the application you use.
How Do You Log In to MyChart?
Your MyChart account is connected to the healthcare organization providing your patient portal access.
If you need to sign in, use the MyChart access information provided by your healthcare organization or its official patient portal.
Be careful when entering your login information. Epic’s patient authentication guidance recommends checking that you have been redirected to the website associated with your healthcare provider and that the connection uses HTTPS.
Important: MyHealthChart does not provide MyChart accounts, passwords, or patient-portal login services.
What If You Cannot Find a Test Result?
If a test result is missing from MyChart, there can be several possible reasons.
For example:
- The result may not have been finalized yet.
- The healthcare organization may not have released it to the portal.
- The test may have been performed by a different organization.
- The result may be available in another section of the record.
- The organization may not make that particular type of result available through MyChart.
If you are concerned about a missing result, contact the healthcare organization or the professional who ordered the test.
MyChart vs. MyHealthChart
The names are similar, but the two are not the same service.
MyChart is a patient portal associated with Epic and used by participating healthcare organizations to provide patients with access to health information and healthcare-related services.
MyHealthChart is an independent health education website.
MyHealthChart provides educational information intended to help readers understand topics such as MyChart, medical tests, laboratory results, health records, wellness, and common health conditions.
MyHealthChart does not provide MyChart accounts, operate healthcare-provider patient portals, or replace communication with your healthcare professional.
MyChart and Your Health Information
Patient-portal information can be useful for staying informed about your healthcare, but the information in a digital record should be understood in context.
A laboratory value, imaging report, medication list, or clinical note may not tell the complete story by itself.
When you have questions about your personal health information, discuss the information with your healthcare professional or the healthcare organization that maintains your record.
MyHealthChart provides general health educational information and does not diagnose medical conditions or provide individualized medical advice.
Frequently Asked Questions About MyChart
Is MyChart the same as MyHealthChart?
No. MyChart is a patient portal associated with Epic and participating healthcare organizations. MyHealthChart is an independent health education website that provides educational information about MyChart and broader health topics.
What can you do with MyChart?
Depending on your healthcare organization, MyChart may allow you to view health information, test results, medications, appointments, messages, medical documents, billing information, and other healthcare services. Features vary by organization.
Can I view my lab results in MyChart?
If your healthcare organization makes those results available through MyChart, you may be able to view them in your account. The exact information and timing can vary.
Does an abnormal MyChart result mean something is wrong?
Not necessarily. An abnormal flag generally indicates that a value falls outside the reference range used for that test. The meaning of a result depends on the test, the reference range, your health context, and other information.
Why is my MyChart result still pending?
A result may remain pending while testing is being completed or finalized. Different tests can take different amounts of time.
Can I access MyChart from my phone?
MyChart provides mobile applications for supported devices, although available features can vary by healthcare organization.
Can MyChart show information from more than one healthcare organization?
In some situations, yes. MyChart Central can allow access to linked MyChart accounts through a single Epic ID when participating organizations support the feature.
Does MyHealthChart provide MyChart login services?
No. MyHealthChart is an independent educational website and does not provide MyChart accounts or login services.
Medical Information Disclaimer
The information on MyHealthChart is provided for general educational purposes. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
Medical information can vary between individuals, and information found in a patient portal should be interpreted in the context of your personal health history and the advice of your healthcare professional.
If you have questions about your own medical records, test results, medications, symptoms, or treatment, contact an appropriately qualified healthcare professional or the healthcare organization responsible for your care.
About This Guide
This guide is published by MyHealthChart as part of its health education content.
Content should be reviewed and updated when relevant information, terminology, or healthcare technology changes. Where appropriate, factual information about MyChart is cross-checked against official Epic/MyChart resources.