Not using patient portals? Here’s what you’re missing
Your health information is at your fingertips — learn how to access it, use it, and stay connected between appointments.
Ever leave a doctor's appointment wishing you’d asked more questions? Or spend days wondering when test results will come back? A patient portal can help.
A patient portal is a secure online platform where your provider will load health records , test results, and messages — all from a computer or smartphone. Many people don't realize how much information is available or how portals can make managing care easier between appointments.
Here's how to get started and make the most of this helpful tool.
What is a patient portal — and why use one?
A patient portal is like a digital health file cabinet. It stores visit notes, test results, medication lists, and immunization records.
Many portals also allow appointments to be scheduled, prescription refills to be requested, and secure messages to be sent to the care team.
Benefits include:
Access information anytime. No more waiting on hold or playing phone tag to get test results or check when you had your last tetanus shot.
Better communication. Send your doctor nonurgent questions between appointments and receive written responses. Doctors often appreciate portal messages because they capture patients' exact words.
Stay organized. All your health information is in one place, making it easier to track care over time.
More control. Records can be shared with specialists, medication lists updated, and upcoming appointments tracked.
Research published in the Journal of Medical Internet Research shows that patients who regularly use portals report better understanding of their health conditions and feel more engaged in their care.
How to access patient portals
Ask the provider's office. Not all doctors use the same portal system. Common platforms include MyChart, healow, FollowMyHealth, and athenahealth.
At your next appointment, ask:
- What patient portal does this office use?
- How do I sign up?
- What information will be available?
Sign up online or in person. Many offices can create an account during a visit or send an email with instructions for registering at home. Identity verification is usually required using details such as date of birth and contact information.
Some providers give an access code that may expire, so it's best to sign up soon after the visit.
Download the mobile app. Most portals have smartphone apps that make it easy to check results or send messages on the go.
Tip: If your care involves multiple providers, signing up for more than one portal may be necessary. Keep a list of which portal goes with each provider.
What you can do with your patient portal
- View test results. Blood work, imaging, and biopsies are usually posted within days — sometimes within hours. Results may appear before a provider calls and often include explanations.
- Read visit summaries. After appointments, providers may upload notes about the visit, diagnoses, and treatment plans. These summaries help with remembering instructions or sharing information with another provider.
- Check medications. Portals list current prescriptions, including dosages and refill dates. This is helpful when seeing multiple providers or visiting a specialist.
- Review immunization history. The portal keeps a record of vaccines such as flu shots or Tdap.
- Send secure messages. Have a nonurgent question about medication side effects or instructions? Use the portal instead of playing phone tag.
According to MedlinePlus, portal messages are a good way for doctors and patients to communicate between appointments for issues that do not require immediate attention.
Important: Patient portals are for nonurgent matters only. For medical emergencies or urgent symptoms, call 911 or contact the provider's office directly.
- Request prescription refills. Many portals allow refills to be requested in a few clicks. The pharmacy is notified, and medication can be picked up without making a phone call.
- Schedule appointments. Some portals allow appointments to be booked, rescheduled, or canceled online.
Tips for using your portal effectively
Check it regularly. Log in at least once a week, especially when waiting for test results or managing ongoing care.
Don't panic over abnormal results. Test results may appear before a doctor reviews them. Seeing something labeled “abnormal” can be concerning, but many results are minor or expected. Wait to hear from the provider before drawing conclusions.
Use messaging for the right situations.
Good uses:
- Questions about medications
- Clarifying instructions
- Requesting forms
Not appropriate:
- Urgent symptoms
- Emergencies
- Complex issues that require a conversation
Keep contact information updated. Make sure your email, phone number, and mailing address are current so important notifications aren't missed.
Ask questions if something isn't clear. If medical terms in test results or visit notes are unfamiliar, send a message requesting clarification or ask at the next appointment.
Share access carefully. Some portals allow family members or caregivers to help manage care. Only share access with trusted individuals.
Don't forget your health plan member site
A patient portal shows information from a provider's office. Your health plan's member site includes different — equally important — including:
- Insurance ID card
- Benefits and coverage details
- Claims and billing information
- In-network providers and pharmacies
- Health plan programs and resources
Tip: Bookmark both your patient portal and your health plan member site so important information is always easy to find.
Next step
Ask your doctor's office about signing up for the patient portal at your next appointment. Most accounts take just a few minutes to set up and can save time and stress later on.
See our sources:
Patient portal benefits and basics: Medline Plus
Study on health outcomes of patient portal use: Journal of Medical Internet Research