Do you ever suddenly remember during the evening or on the weekend that you need to make a medical appointment, ask for a refill on an expired prescription, check on lab results or ask your health care provider a question?
Now, you can do these things and more online. Just sign up for your provider's patient portal. It's a password-protected website available anytime from your computer or a smartphone app.
Many hospitals and clinics have websites called patient portals. These provide a way to digitally connect with your provider and your health information. In 2020, about 6 in 10 people were offered this service by a hospital or clinic, and the number has gone up since then.
When you sign up for a patient portal, like Adventist Health Portland’s MyChart, you create a login name that's unique to you. You also set up a password that only you know, so you can log in privately. That means the site and your information are secure.
Most people use their computer to access their portal, while some only use an app on their phone. But research shows that nearly a quarter of all users use both a smartphone and a computer.
Federal law says access to health care portals must be free and your information available when you want it, without delay.
On your patient portal you can access:
Also, the Adventist Health Portland MyChart lets you:
It's always important to be in control of your health and health care. Portals can save you time. Plus, they help you get care and support between in-person visits with your provider.
If you aren't comfortable using a computer or smartphone, there's help. When you set up your account, you can sign a form to designate a trusted family member or other person to access your information on your behalf. That way you get the benefits of your patient portal without the stress.
Ask your health care provider about their patient portal. If you’re a patient with Adventist Health Portland, just ask us for an enrollment code at your next visit. You'll be glad you did.
Sources: Journal of Medical Internet Research (JMIR) Aging; National Institute on Aging; Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology
