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    How to Use MyChart (Your Doctor's Patient Portal)

    MyChart lets you see test results, message your doctor, schedule appointments, and refill prescriptions online. This plain-language guide walks you through everything — from signing up to staying safe.

    16 min read 10 stepsApril 20, 2026Verified April 2026
    1

    What MyChart is and why it matters

    ~2 min
    MyChart is a free online tool that connects you to your doctor's office. It is made by a company called Epic, which is the system most large hospitals and clinics use to keep track of patient records. With MyChart, you can do the following from your home — no phone calls, no waiting on hold, no driving to the office: See your test results as soon as they are ready, often before the doctor's office even calls you. Send a message to your doctor or nurse and get a written reply, usually within one to two business days. Schedule, reschedule, or cancel appointments. Request prescription refills so your medication is ready when you need it. View your medical records, including past visit notes, medications, allergies, and immunization history. Pay medical bills online. Have video visits with your doctor from home (telehealth). MyChart works on any computer with internet access. It also has a free app for iPhones and Android phones. You can use whichever is most comfortable for you.

    Quick Tip

    MyChart is free. You will never be charged for using it. If you see a bill inside MyChart, that is a medical bill from your doctor — not a charge for using the app itself.

    2

    How to sign up for MyChart

    ~2 min
    To create your MyChart account, you need an activation code from your doctor's office. Here is how to get one and use it: 1. Ask at your next appointment. Tell the receptionist or nurse: "I would like to sign up for MyChart. Can I get an activation code?" They will print one out or hand you a sheet with instructions. 2. Check your email. Some offices send the activation code by email after your visit. Look for an email from your hospital or clinic with "MyChart" in the subject line. Check your spam folder if you do not see it. 3. Call the office. If you do not have an appointment soon, call your doctor's office and ask them to send you a MyChart activation code. They can usually email it to you. Once you have your activation code: 4. Go to your hospital's MyChart website. Your activation letter will have the web address. You can also search Google for the name of your hospital plus "MyChart" — for example, "Cleveland Clinic MyChart" or "Kaiser MyChart." 5. Click "Sign Up Now" or "Activate Your Account." 6. Enter the activation code exactly as it appears on your paper. 7. Create a username. Pick something you will remember, like your first name and a number — for example, "MaryJohnson42." Write it down. 8. Create a password. It usually needs to be at least 8 characters with a mix of letters, numbers, and a symbol. Example: "Sunshine2024!" Write this down too and keep it in a safe place. 9. Set up a security question in case you ever forget your password. Pick a question with an answer only you would know. 10. Enter your email address so the system can send you notifications when new results or messages arrive.

    Quick Tip

    Write your username and password on a piece of paper and keep it somewhere safe — like taped inside your address book or in a drawer you check often. Do not keep it next to your computer where visitors could see it.

    Warning

    Your activation code expires after a certain number of days (usually 30 to 60 days). If your code has expired, just call your doctor's office and ask for a new one. It only takes a minute.

    3

    Logging in for the first time

    ~2 min
    Now that you have created your account, here is how to log in: On a computer: 1. Open your internet browser (Chrome, Edge, Safari, or Firefox). 2. Go to your hospital's MyChart website. You can type the web address from your activation letter into the bar at the very top of the screen, or search Google for your hospital name plus "MyChart." 3. Click "Log In" or "Sign In." 4. Type your username and password exactly as you wrote them down. Passwords are case-sensitive, which means capital letters and lowercase letters matter. If your password is "Sunshine2024!" then typing "sunshine2024!" will not work. 5. Click the "Sign In" button. On a phone or tablet: 1. Open the App Store (iPhone) or Google Play Store (Android). 2. Search for "MyChart." 3. Download the free app — it has a blue and white logo. 4. Open the app and search for your hospital or clinic name. 5. Log in with the same username and password you created. After logging in, you will see your MyChart home screen. This is like your health dashboard. It shows upcoming appointments, recent messages, and any new test results.

    Quick Tip

    If your phone or tablet supports Face ID or fingerprint login, MyChart will ask if you want to turn that on. This means you can log in with your face or fingerprint instead of typing your password every time. It is safe to turn this on — it is actually more secure than typing a password.

    4

    Viewing your test results and what they mean

    ~2 min
    One of the most useful features of MyChart is seeing your test results. Here is how: 1. Log into MyChart. 2. Look for "Test Results" or "Results" in the menu. On the website, this is usually on the left side of the screen or across the top. In the app, it may be on the home screen or in the menu (tap the three lines in the corner). 3. Click or tap "Test Results." 4. You will see a list of your tests with the most recent ones at the top. Click on any test to see the details. Understanding your results: Next to each result, you may see words like "Normal," "High," "Low," or "Abnormal." "Normal" means your result is in the healthy range. This is good news. "High" or "Low" means your result is outside the typical range. This does not always mean something is wrong — your doctor will explain what it means for you specifically. "Abnormal" does not necessarily mean something is seriously wrong. Many "abnormal" results are only slightly outside the normal range and are nothing to worry about. Each test result usually shows a "reference range" — this is the range of numbers that is considered normal. Your number will be shown next to this range so you can see where you fall. If you do not understand a result, do not panic. You can send your doctor a message right from MyChart asking them to explain it (we will cover how to do that in the next step).

    Quick Tip

    Test results often appear in MyChart before your doctor has reviewed them. If you see something that concerns you, wait a day or two — your doctor may send you a message or call to discuss it. You can also message them through MyChart.

    Warning

    Do not use MyChart for emergencies. If you have a result that seriously worries you or you are experiencing symptoms, call your doctor's office or go to the emergency room. MyChart messages are not monitored around the clock.

    5

    Sending a message to your doctor

    ~2 min
    Instead of calling the office and waiting on hold, you can send a message through MyChart. Your doctor or nurse will reply in writing, usually within one to two business days. Here is how: 1. Log into MyChart. 2. Click or tap "Messages" (sometimes called "Messaging" or shown as an envelope icon). 3. Click "New Message" or "Send a Message." 4. Choose the type of message. Common options include: "Medical Question" — for health questions or concerns. "Prescription Question" — for medication questions. "Appointment Question" — for scheduling issues. 5. Select your doctor from the list. If you have multiple doctors, make sure you pick the right one. 6. Type your message in the text box. Be specific about what you need. For example: "I have been having headaches for the past week and want to know if I should come in" is better than just "I don't feel well." 7. Click "Send." You will get a notification by email when your doctor or nurse replies. You can read their reply by logging back into MyChart and going to Messages. This is great for non-urgent questions like: Asking about a test result you do not understand. Reporting a mild symptom. Asking if you need a follow-up appointment. Getting a referral to a specialist.

    Quick Tip

    Keep your messages short and clear. Write the most important thing first. Doctors appreciate when you get to the point — it helps them give you a faster, better answer.

    Warning

    Do not use MyChart messages for urgent problems. If you are having chest pain, difficulty breathing, sudden weakness, or any emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. MyChart messages may not be read until the next business day.

    6

    Scheduling and managing appointments

    ~2 min
    You can schedule, reschedule, or cancel appointments without calling the office. Here is how: To schedule a new appointment: 1. Log into MyChart. 2. Click or tap "Appointments" or "Schedule an Appointment." 3. Choose the type of visit you need — such as a regular checkup, a follow-up, or a specific concern. 4. Select your doctor. 5. Pick a date and time that works for you from the available options. 6. Confirm the appointment. You will see a summary with the date, time, and location. To reschedule or cancel: 1. Go to "Appointments" and find your upcoming appointment. 2. Click or tap on it. 3. Look for a "Reschedule" or "Cancel" button. 4. Follow the prompts to pick a new time or confirm the cancellation. Before your appointment, MyChart may ask you to: Fill out pre-visit forms (like updating your address or listing current medications). You can do this from home instead of filling out clipboards in the waiting room. Confirm your insurance information. Complete a health questionnaire about why you are coming in. After your appointment, you can see the visit summary in MyChart, including any notes your doctor wrote and next steps they recommended.

    Quick Tip

    Not all appointment types can be scheduled online. If you do not see the type of visit you need, call the office directly. Some specialists and procedures still require a phone call to book.

    7

    Requesting prescription refills

    ~2 min
    Running low on medication? You can request a refill through MyChart instead of calling the doctor or pharmacy. Here is how: 1. Log into MyChart. 2. Click or tap "Medications" or "Prescriptions." You will see a list of all medications your doctor has on file for you. 3. Find the medication you need refilled. 4. Click or tap "Request Refill" next to that medication. 5. Choose your pharmacy from the list. If your pharmacy is already saved, it will appear automatically. If not, you can search by name or address. 6. Add a note if needed — for example, "I will run out in 3 days" or "Please send to my new pharmacy at Walgreens on Main Street." 7. Click "Submit" or "Send Request." Your doctor's office will review the request. If approved, they will send the prescription to your pharmacy electronically. You will get a notification in MyChart when it has been sent. If the doctor needs to see you before approving the refill (this sometimes happens with certain medications), they will send you a message in MyChart letting you know.

    Quick Tip

    Request your refill at least 5 to 7 days before you run out. This gives the doctor time to approve it and the pharmacy time to fill it. Do not wait until you are completely out.

    8

    Accessing your medical records

    ~2 min
    MyChart keeps a record of your health history in one place. This is especially useful if you see multiple doctors or need to share your information with a new provider. Here is what you can find: Visit summaries — notes from each appointment, including what the doctor found and recommended. Medications — a complete list of everything you are currently taking, with dosages. Allergies — a list of any allergies on file, so every doctor you see knows what to avoid. Immunizations — your vaccination history, including flu shots and COVID vaccines. Procedures and surgeries — records of any operations or procedures you have had. To access your records: 1. Log into MyChart. 2. Look for "Health Summary," "Medical Records," or "My Record" in the menu. 3. Click on the section you want to view. If you need to share your records with a new doctor, a specialist, or a family member helping with your care, MyChart lets you do that too: Look for "Share My Record" or "Grant Access." You can invite another person by entering their email address. They will get limited access to view your information — they cannot change anything.

    Quick Tip

    Before any appointment with a new doctor, print or screenshot your medication list and allergy list from MyChart. This saves time and makes sure the new doctor has accurate information.

    9

    Tips for keeping your account secure

    ~2 min
    Your MyChart account contains very personal information — your medical history, medications, and contact details. Here is how to keep it safe: 1. Use a strong password. Your password should be at least 8 characters and include a mix of uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and a symbol. Example: "Garden$pring47!" Avoid using your name, birthday, or "password123." 2. Do not share your login. Your MyChart account is for you only. If a family member helps you with appointments, ask your doctor about "proxy access" — this gives them their own separate login to see your information. 3. Log out when you are done. This is especially important if you use a shared computer at a library or community center. Look for "Log Out" or "Sign Out" in the top right corner of the screen. 4. Watch out for fake emails. Scammers sometimes send emails pretending to be from MyChart. Real MyChart emails will never ask you to reply with your password or Social Security number. If an email looks suspicious, do not click any links in it — instead, go directly to the MyChart website by typing the address into your browser yourself. 5. Keep your email address up to date. MyChart sends notifications to your email, including password reset links. If you change your email, update it in MyChart right away under "My Account" or "Settings." 6. Turn on two-step verification if available. Some MyChart systems offer this. It means that after entering your password, you also enter a code sent to your phone. This makes it much harder for anyone else to break into your account.

    Warning

    MyChart will never call you and ask for your password. If someone calls claiming to be from MyChart or your hospital and asks for your password, hang up. It is a scam.

    10

    What to do if you get locked out

    ~2 min
    If you forget your password or get locked out of your account, do not worry — it happens to everyone and it is easy to fix. If you forgot your password: 1. Go to the MyChart login page. 2. Click "Forgot Password?" (this is usually right below the password box). 3. Enter your username or the email address on your account. 4. Check your email for a password reset link. Click the link and follow the steps to create a new password. 5. If you do not see the email within a few minutes, check your spam or junk folder. If you forgot your username: 1. On the login page, click "Forgot Username?" 2. Enter your email address and date of birth. 3. Your username will be sent to your email. If your account is locked (this can happen after too many wrong password attempts): 1. Wait 15 to 30 minutes and try again. Many systems unlock automatically after a short wait. 2. If it is still locked, use the "Forgot Password?" option to reset your password. This usually unlocks the account at the same time. If none of that works: Call your doctor's office and ask to speak with someone who handles MyChart accounts. They can reset your account, send you a new activation code, or walk you through the process over the phone. This is a common request — they help people with this every day. To avoid getting locked out in the future, write your username and password on a piece of paper and keep it in a safe, private spot in your home — like a drawer in your desk or inside your address book.

    Quick Tip

    If you have a trusted family member who helps you with technology, ask them to help you set up your MyChart and write down the login information together. That way, someone you trust can help if you ever have trouble getting in.

    You Did It!

    You've completed: How to Use MyChart (Your Doctor's Patient Portal)

    Need more help? Get Expert Help from a TekSure Tech

    If your doctor's office has ever told you to "check MyChart," you are not alone in wondering what that means. MyChart is a free website and app that lets you do many of the things you used to have to call the doctor's office for — like seeing your test results, sending a message to your doctor, scheduling appointments, and refilling prescriptions.

    Think of it like online banking, but for your health. Just like you can check your bank balance online instead of driving to the bank, MyChart lets you check on your health information from your computer, phone, or tablet.

    More than 200 million people in the United States have a MyChart account. It is used by thousands of hospitals and clinics across the country. If your doctor uses the Epic system (most large hospitals do), then your patient portal is MyChart.

    The problem is that nobody really explains how to use it in plain language. The instructions you get from the doctor's office are often confusing and full of medical jargon. This guide fixes that. We will walk you through every step, from signing up to viewing your test results, in language anyone can follow.

    You do not need to be good with computers to use MyChart. If you can send an email or look something up on the internet, you can use MyChart.

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    Official Resources

    Medicare.govMedlinePlus — Health InfoAARP Health & Technology

    Sources used to create and verify this guide. View all sources →

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    How to Use MyChart (Your Doctor's Patient Portal) — Step-by-Step Guide | TekSure