MyChart replaces Patient Portal: User help and activation information

MyChart Phone

July 19, 2023

On June 10, 2023, we switched to MyChart from our previous health information service, Patient Portal. MyChart offers secure, one-stop online health care management tools through an Epic Community Connect partnership with SCL Health, which is also known as Intermountain Healthcare.

Transitioning to a new electronic health record is a massive change, and unfortunately it creates temporary disruption for our staff and patients. We apologize for this inconvenience and truly appreciate all of your feedback. It’s helping us understand the issues you’re experiencing, so we can deploy additional resources to work through them as quickly as possible. Below are the most common questions we are getting, along with information to explain what is happening or help connect you with someone that can help.
 

MyChart Help

If you are having trouble using or activating MyChart, you can connect with a member of our team. 

How to activate and access MyChart

On June 10, 2023, we switched to MyChart from our previous tool, Patient Portal. Most Patient Portal tools, like provider messaging, are no longer available in Patient Portal. All patients, including those with a Patient Portal account, must now sign up for MyChart to access tools and health record information. MyChart will include health record information for services received on or after June 10, 2023.

The best way to sign up for MyChart is to use activation information you receive when you do things like schedule an appointment or check-in for a visit at St. Peter’s.

  • Need activation information for a St. Peter’s MyChart account? Ask your care team or click here
  • Have an activation code for a St. Peter’s MyChart Account? Activate your account here
  • Already activated a St. Peter’s MyChart account? Login here

Patient Portal changes and record, health information transfers

If you previously used Patient Portal, it’s important to know that Patient Portal is no longer available for regular use. You now need a MyChart account to use online health information services at St. Peter’s. We know that our transition from Patient Portal to MyChart caused an interruption in some information and record availability. We apologize for this and any inconvenience it may have caused.

Please know that your medical records and information will never “go away.” Your care team continues to have full access to this information and records. We are working with MyChart to make certain functionality, such as provider messaging, more widely available to patients who have had appointments with their providers prior to June 10, 2023.

Access to medical records and health information, including medication lists, allergies, problem list, etc.

Unfortunately, we are not able to transfer all patient information or medical records from Patient Portal to MyChart. Information such as medication lists, allergies, problem list, etc. are available to providers and may become viewable via MyChart after you complete an appointment, at which time your provider will verify information from our old system. This helps ensure that the information you view in MyChart is up-to-date and accurate, as well as equip providers to provide the highest level of care.

Access to your medical records will always be available through our Medical Records department. Online access to medical records for services received after June 10, 2023 is available in MyChart. For a limited time, you will be able to use your Patient Portal account for read-only access to view certain historical records or view/pay your bill for services received before June 10, 2023. St. Peter’s no longer offers Patient Portal account enrollment.

Access to tools in MyChart, including messaging and appointment scheduling

During the transition from Patient Portal to MyChart, you may notice some MyChart functionality, such as provider messaging, isn’t immediately available. Certain functions will “turn on” after you have completed a scheduled appointment or used a service in our new system, after June 10, 2023. Please know that this is a temporary interruption. 

Frequently asked questions

We understand you might have questions about this change. Here are answers to some important, frequently asked questions.

About MyChart

What is MyChart?

MyChart is a world-class health information service that gives users free, quick, secure, one-stop online access to manage appointments, message care teams, view test results, view medical record information or pay bills. You can use MyChart from your mobile phone, tablet or desktop computer. St. Peter’s switched its health record information service from Patient Portal to MyChart in June.

Why have I seen “SCL Health” and “Intermountain Health” mentioned on some MyChart pages and other MyChart information?

St. Peter’s implemented MyChart through an Epic Community Connect partnership with Sisters of Charity Leavenworth (SCL) Health, also known as Intermountain Healthcare. This means there are some portions of services that are shared, and this is the only reason you may see references to “SCL Health” or “Intermountain Health” as you access and use MyChart.

Why do emails or texts about MyChart come from “SCL Health”?

Our partnership with SCL Health, also known as Intermountain Health, means that some portions of the MyChart service are shared between SCL Health and its affiliates. Email and text notifications are sent from a shared system. This is the only reason you may see references to “SCL Health” or “Intermountain Health” in some communications. These communications are sent from secure sources and will provide access to your St. Peter’s MyChart account. If you have questions about emails or texts you receive about MyChart, you can call the Patient Portal Help Desk at 406-495-6888 or email mychart@sphealth.org.

Why do I see clinic, provider or location information from other hospitals and states when I’m using MyChart?

Our partnership with SCL Health, also known as Intermountain Health, means that some portions of the MyChart service are shared between SCL Health and its affiliates. This also means that when you use certain MyChart tools you may see information about other providers or locations from SCL Health and its affiliates. For example, if you are using MyChart to schedule an appointment using the “Find a New Provider” option, you may see locations and providers that aren’t part of St. Peter’s but are a part of SCL and its affiliates. It’s also important to note that not all St. Peter’s providers accept online appointment scheduling through MyChart, so they may not be available for online scheduling using MyChart.

Is MyChart secure?

Yes, MyChart is administered by the electronic health record system, Epic. MyChart allows users to securely view information and use tools like provider messaging.

Why did St. Peter’s change from Patient Portal to MyChart?

The switch from Patient Portal to MyChart is part of our $25 million investment in local healthcare that brings the best-in-class electronic health record system, Epic, to St. Peter’s. St. Peter’s is proud to offer MyChart through a partnership with SCL Health, also known as Intermountain Healthcare. MyChart is similar to Patient Portal but offers more tools and a better user experience.

Activating and using MyChart

How do I sign up for MyChart?

The best way to sign up for MyChart is through instant activation information you receive when you schedule an appointment or check-in for a service at St. Peter’s. Using the instant activation code is the easiest and quickest way to create a MyChart account. You can obtain the activation information several different ways:

  • If you have a valid mobile number on file:
    • Look for auto-instant activation information to be sent to your mobile phone when you schedule an appointment or check-in for an appointment. Follow the instructions to activate your account.
  • If you do not have a mobile phone number on file:
    • Look for instant activation information on your printed after-visit summary or billing statement for services received after June 10, 2023. Follow the instructions to activate your account.
    • Ask your scheduler, care team or other associate for instant activation information to be sent via text or email. Follow the instructions to activate your account.
    • If you can’t locate the activation information, call 1-855-274-2517. Representatives can assist with sign up and provide instant activation links.

How do I get help activating or using MyChart?

Call the MyChart Help Desk for sign up help or questions about other features at 1-855-274-2517. Representatives will assist patients with sign up and provide instant activation links if needed. If you need immediate assistance, you can call the Patient Portal Help Desk at 406-495-6888 or email mychart@sphealth.org.

How do I use MyChart?

You must activate a St. Peter’s MyChart account to use MyChart. Once your account is activated, you can log in and use its many tools by signing in at sphealth.org/mychart, using the links included with your activation information or by downloading the MyChart app. For specific usage questions, you can visit the MyChart FAQ page once you are logged in.

I’ve activated a MyChart account. Why can’t I use all the tools in MyChart?

During the transition from Patient Portal to MyChart, you may notice some MyChart functionality, such as provider messaging, isn’t immediately available. Certain functions will “turn on” after you have completed a scheduled appointment or used a service in our new system, after June 10, 2023. Please know that this is a temporary interruption. We are working with MyChart to make certain functionality, such as provider messaging, more widely available to patients who have had appointments with their providers prior to June 10, 2023. We apologize for any inconvenience. If you have questions about provider messaging or other functions, please email our team at mychart@sphealth.org.

Do I need a St. Peter’s MyChart account if I have an account from another healthcare organization?

Yes. Unless your MyChart account is with our partners at SCL Health (also known as Intermountain Health), you do need a separate account for St. Peter’s.

What if I want to sign up for a MyChart account without activation information?

If you would like to activate an account without instant activation information, please visit sphealth.org/mychart and follow the process outlined there. Please note that using the self-sign up option will require an extended activation process. Not all MyChart tools or full functionality is available until after you have completed a scheduled appointment or procedure in our new system after June 10, 2023. For example, you may not be able to message some providers if you haven’t completed a scheduled appointment with that provider after June 10, 2023. If you believe information is missing for services received after June 10, 2023, please contact Patient Portal Support at 406-495-6888. It’s also important to note that MyChart has partnered with Experian to verify new users’ identities prior to signing up for a MyChart account without activation information. Experian is a leader in identity verification and utilizes publicly available information to keep your health information safe. The information that Experian uses to verify your identity is not made available to St. Peter’s or any staff and is only used for purposes of confirming your identity. If you feel uncomfortable answering any questions required to verify your identity, please ask a member of our care team to send you an instant activation code. This will allow you to bypass these identification questions.

Patient Portal usage

Can I still use Patient Portal?

Patient Portal is now “read only,” and no longer available for regular use.

For online medical record access, you will need to sign up for a MyChart account to view records for services received after June 10, 2023. You will be able to use your Patient Portal account for a limited time for online, read-only access to view certain historical records or view/pay your bill for services received before June 10, 2023. Please know that your medical records will never “go away.” Your care team will continue to have full access to your information and records. Access to your medical records will always be available through our Medical Records department. For more information on accessing your medical records, call 406-444-2175 or visit sphealth.org. St. Peter’s no longer offers Patient Portal account enrollment.

Can I still view or print historical medical records from Patient Portal?

Patient Portal will be available for a limited time for read-only online access to medical records for services received before June 10, 2023. This means you can access your Portal account to view and print historical records for a limited time. Please know that your medical records will never “go away.” Your care team will continue to have full access to your information and records. Access to your medical records will always be available through our Medical Records department. For more information on accessing your medical records, call 406-444-2175 or visit sphealth.org.

Can I still pay my bill using Patient Portal?

You will be able to use your Patient Portal account for a limited time to view/pay your bill if you have an outstanding balance or payment plan set up with St. Peter’s for services performed before June 10, 2023.

MyChart tools, patient information and record access

Will my health information, like medication lists, allergies, problem lists, etc., from my current Patient Portal account transfer to MyChart?

Unfortunately, we are not able to transfer all information from Patient Portal to MyChart. Information such as medication lists, allergies, problem list, etc. are available to providers and may become viewable via MyChart after you complete an appointment, at which time your provider will verify information from our old system. This helps ensure that the information you view in MyChart is up-to-date and accurate, as well as equip providers to provide the highest level of care. It’s important to know that your medical information and records will never “go away.” Your care team continues to have full access to this information and records. Access to your medical records will always be available through our Medical Records department. For more information on accessing your medical records, call 406-444-2175 or visit sphealth.org. If you have questions about information transfers, please email our team at mychart@sphealth.org.

Will my medical records transfer from Patient Portal to MyChart?

Unfortunately, we are not able to transfer all medical records from Patient Portal to MyChart. For online medical record access, you will need to sign up for a MyChart account to view records for services received after June 10, 2023. Patient Portal remains available for a limited time for read-only access to view select medical records for services received before June 10, 2023. It’s important to know that your medical information and records will never “go away.” Your care team continues to have full access to this information and records. Access to your medical records will always be available through our Medical Records department. For more information on accessing your medical records, call 406-444-2175 or visit sphealth.org. If you have questions about information transfers, please email our team at mychart@sphealth.org.

Will my care team still have access to my medical information and records?

Yes. Your care team continues to have full access to this information and records. For online medical record access, you will need to sign up for a MyChart account to view records for services received after June 10, 2023. Patient Portal remains available for a limited time for read-only access to view select medical records for services received before June 10, 2023. It’s important to know that your medical information and records will never “go away.” Access to your medical records will always be available through our Medical Records department. For more information on accessing your medical records, call 406-444-2175 or visit sphealth.org. If you have questions about information transfers, please email our team at mychart@sphealth.org.

Are my medical records from prior to June 10, 2023 going away?

No. It’s important to know that your medical information and records will never “go away.” For online medical record access, you will need to sign up for a MyChart account to view records for services received after June 10, 2023. Patient Portal remains available for a limited time for online, read-only access to view select medical records for services received before June 10, 2023. Access to your medical records will always be available through our Medical Records department. For more information on accessing your medical records, call 406-444-2175 or visit sphealth.org. If you have questions about information transfers, please email our team at mychart@sphealth.org.

Why can't I access my health information prior to June 10, 2023, using MyChart?

Unfortunately, neither Patient Portal nor MyChart allows us to transfer all health information or records between the systems. Please know that your care team will continue to have access to records prior to June 10, 2023, so your care will not be interrupted during this transition. Information such as medication lists, allergies, problem list, etc. are available to providers and may become viewable via MyChart after you complete an appointment, at which time your provider will verify information from our old system. This helps ensure that the information you view in MyChart is up-to-date and accurate, as well as equip providers to provide the highest level of care. Your medical records will never “go away.” Access to your medical records will always be available through our Medical Records department. For more information on accessing your medical records, call 406-444-2175 or visit sphealth.org.

Why can't I send a message to my provider in MyChart?

During the transition from Patient Portal to MyChart, you may notice some MyChart functionality, such as provider messaging, isn’t immediately available. Certain functions will “turn on” after you have completed a scheduled appointment or used a service in our new system, after June 10, 2023. Please know that this is a temporary interruption. We are working with MyChart to make certain functionality, such as provider messaging, more widely available to patients who have had appointments with their providers prior to June 10, 2023. We apologize for any inconvenience. If you have non-emergency questions for your provider, please connect with a member of your care team. If you have general questions about provider messaging or other functions, please email our team at mychart@sphealth.org.

Why can’t I schedule an appointment using MyChart?

MyChart does have online appointment scheduling tools available. But you may not be able to schedule an appointment with all St. Peter’s providers for several reasons. Certain functions will “turn on” after you have completed a scheduled appointment or used a service in our new system, after June 10, 2023. Please know that this is a temporary interruption. We are working with MyChart to make certain functionality, such as appointment scheduling, more widely available to patients who have had appointments with their providers prior to June 10, 2023. We apologize for any inconvenience. Also, some providers and specialties are not available for online scheduling via MyChart. Many providers require a referral for appointment scheduling. In that case, please call to schedule. If you have questions about online scheduling, please email our team at mychart@sphealth.org.

How do I get proxy access to my family or another person’s health information through MyChart?

To access another person’s health information through MyChart, you will need to request proxy access. Learn more by visiting sphealth.org/mychart.

Why can’t I access my family’s information in MyChart?

If you previously accessed your family’s information in Patient Portal, you will need to re-establish access in MyChart by following the proxy access process by visiting sphealth.org/mychart.