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Portal Features

Our health system is working to further engage our patients in their care and to comply with the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology’s (ONC’s) 21st Century Cures Act updated electronic health information (EHI) definition. This regulation includes provisions requiring that health providers make available to patients certain health information (EHI) contained in their patient record. What this means for patients is, starting October 24th, 2022, we will share more of the information found in your electronic health record to HCHS patient portal immediately. This includes releasing test and lab results to your patient portal, as well as all visit notes when finalized. In some cases, this may eliminate the need for you to submit a request to the Health Information Management (Medical Records) Department.

At HCHS, we believe you are entitled to see your notes and results as soon as they are available. We will release most results immediately to you through HCHS patient portal.

What Will Be Different / Actions You Can Take:

  • You may see some results before your provider.
    • Results may be difficult to understand or require additional explanation from a medical professional.
    • Please give your provider some time to review the results. They will contact you to discuss any results that need explanation.
  • If you prefer to hear the results from your provider, you may wait for your provider to contact you. As the patient, you can choose when to view your results in the patient portal.
  • Your provider looks at every result, yet not all results will generate a phone call to discuss. If more discussion is needed, we will call or set an appointment.
  • If you have concerns, please contact the provider who ordered the test or your primary care provider.

We will also begin sharing most of the notes your provider takes during a visit with you through HCHS patient portal. Studies show reading your notes can help you:

  • Feel empowered to take an active role in your care
  • Recall what was discussed at your visit and share with others, as you wish
  • Partner with your health care provider for better overall health care and wellness

If you feel there is an error in your record, or if you would like to obtain a copy of your full medical record, please contact the Medical Records Department: 641-843-5078.