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Health guide · Digital health

Using your patient portal

Your patient portal lets you see results, message your care team, and manage visits. Here is how to get started safely.

Updated · 1 min read

What a patient portal is

A patient portal is a secure website or app from your clinic or health system. It gives you access to parts of your health record.

What you can usually do

  • See test results and visit summaries.
  • Send non-urgent messages to your care team.
  • Request prescription refills.
  • Schedule or change appointments.

What is available can vary by clinic.

Getting started

  1. Ask the front desk how to sign up. They may give you a code.
  2. Create a strong password that you do not use anywhere else.
  3. Turn on two-step login if it is offered. This adds a second check, like a code sent to your phone.

Staying safe

  • Only log in from the official app or website. Be careful with links in emails.
  • Log out when you use a shared computer.
  • Your clinic will not ask for your password by phone or email.

When not to use messages

Portal messages are for non-urgent questions. They may take a day or more to answer. For urgent problems, call your clinic. For emergencies, call 911.

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