Houston Methodist MyChart Frequently Asked Questions
- Enrollment Questions
- What is Houston Methodist MyChart?
- Is there a fee to use Houston Methodist MyChart?
- How do I sign up?
- Who do I contact if I have further questions?
- Your Health Record
- I have been a patient with Houston Methodist for years so why can't I view my historical records within MyChart?
- Why are certain test results and information not showing in Houston Methodist MyChart?
- Does my doctor's office or hospital have access to my complete health record?
- When can I see my test results in Houston Methodist MyChart?
- Why are certain test results not shared electronically via Houston Methodist MyChart?
- If some of my health information on Houston Methodist MyChart is not correct, what should I do?
- If I send a message to my doctor or nurse, when can I expect a reply?
- Can I download a copy of my medical record?
- Can I share my health record with non-Houston Methodist health care professionals?
- Scheduling
- Can I schedule an appointment?
- Can I schedule a same day appointment with a doctor?
- Features
- What is MyChart Central and Lucy?
- What is Share My Record (Share Everywhere)?
- What are E-Visits?
- What is Find Care Now?
- How can I track my health in MyChart?
- Can I update my information before an appointment?
- Can I make a payment before an appointment?
- MyChart Your Hospital Stay
- What is MyChart Your Hospital Stay?
- Who can use MyChart Your Hospital Stay?
- Is MyChart Your Hospital Stay available for ED or day-surgery patients?
- How does a patient access MyChart Your Hospital Stay?
- What labs or test results are available through MyChart Your Hospital Stay?
- Billing
- Can I view my statement?
- Can I pay my bill online?
- Can I sign up for paperless billing?
- How do I obtain an itemized bill showing the detail of charges?
- What do I do if I have a question about my bill?
- Houston Methodist MyChart for My Family
- Can I view a friend or family member's health record in Houston Methodist MyChart?
- What if I want access to MyChart as a proxy for a minor (as their parent or guardian)?
- Can I ask questions regarding a family member from my Houston Methodist MyChart account?
- Can my spouse and I share one Houston Methodist MyChart account?
- After I Have Enrolled
- I forgot my password. What should I do?
- Can you send me a new activation link via email or text as I have lost it, let it expire or did not receive it?
- Where can I update my personal information (e.g., home address, e-mail or change my password)?
- How can I update my MyChart password?
- Can I control how I receive notifications from Houston Methodist?
- How can I deactivate my MyChart account if I no longer want one?
- Technical Questions
- How is Houston Methodist MyChart secured?
- What is Two-Step Verification?
- Why Two-Step Verification?
- How do I change how I receive the verification code?
- What happens if my email or text number changes?
- How do I change my verification code?
- What is your privacy policy?
- Why was I automatically logged out of Houston Methodist MyChart?
- How do I access Houston Methodist MyChart?
- My activation link or code does not work, what should I do?
- Houston Methodist MyChart Mobile
- How do I access Houston Methodist MyChart on my mobile device?
- What are Houston Methodist MyChart push notifications?
- How do I enable or disable push notifications?
What is Houston Methodist MyChart?
Houston Methodist MyChart offers you personalized and secure online access to portions of your health records. It allows you to securely use the internet to help manage and receive information about your health. With HoustonMethodist MyChart, you can use the internet to:
- Schedule and review appointments -- schedule your next appointment or view details of your past and upcoming appointments
- Access test results sooner -- no more waiting for a call or letter; get your test results and read your doctor's comments as soon as they're ready
- Pay your bill securely -- review your Houston Methodist medical bills and send secure payments online
- Communicate with your doctor's office -- get answers to your medical questions from the comfort of your own home
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Is there a fee to use Houston Methodist MyChart?
Houston Methodist MyChart is a free service offered to our patients.
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How do I sign up?
Patients who wish to participate will be issued a Houston Methodist MyChart activation link during their clinic visit or after a hospital stay. This instant activation link lets you to log in and create your own username and password. If you were notissued an instant activation link, you can sign up by accessing Houston Methodist MyChart and selecting the Sign Up Now button.
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Who do I contact if I have further questions?
If you have questions, please call 832.667.5694 to speak with our Houston Methodist customer service team. Remember, do not use Houston Methodist MyChart for urgent needs. For medical emergencies, dial 911.
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I have been a patient with Houston Methodist for years so why can't I view my historical records within MyChart?
MyChart contains Houston Methodist hospital laboratory results dating back to December 2013, as well as Houston Methodist hospital radiology results dating back to December 2008. Your complete Houston Methodist health record is safeand remains accessible to your doctor.
If you would like access to other information, please contact your doctor's office or the Health Information Department at the Houston Methodist facility where you received services. You can search ourFind a Doctor resource to find your doctor's contact information or visitMedical Records for more information andaddresses for each facility.
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Why are certain test results and information not showing in Houston Methodist MyChart?
Results from external laboratories, including LabCorp and Quest, that occurred before March 1, 2016, are not available in Houston Methodist MyChart. If you would like access to these results, please contact your doctor's office orhospital. You can search our Find a Doctor resource to find your doctor's contact information.
Initially, certain components of your health record will not appear within Houston Methodist MyChart. This includes medications, allergies, immunizations and information regarding your current health status. Once this information iscarefully reviewed and verified during your physician office visit or hospital stay, this information will be available to you in Houston Methodist MyChart.
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Does my doctor's office or hospital have access to my complete health record?
MyChart is the patient-view of your health records. While your view is limited to certain accessible records and test results, your complete health record with Houston Methodist is still on file and available for your doctor'sreview as needed.
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When can I see my test results in Houston Methodist MyChart?
Your test results are released to your Houston Methodist MyChart account once your doctor has reviewed them or 24 hours after your provider receives the final results. Hospital and emergency department test results will be released to MyChart 24 hours after discharge. Sensitive test results are released to Houston Methodist MyChart once your doctor reviews them or after 10 days.
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Your provider determines the types of test results that can be accessed through Houston Methodist MyChart and when they will be available. Sensitive lab results may not be sent until a doctor reviews and approves distribution.
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If some of my health information on Houston Methodist MyChart is not correct, what should I do?
Your Houston Methodist MyChart information comes directly from your electronic health record at your doctor's office and any Houston Methodist facility. Your health information is reviewed and updated in your electronic healthrecord at each visit. Ask your doctor or the department utilizing the information provided to you to correct any inaccurate information at your next clinic visit.
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If I send a message to my doctor or nurse, when can I expect a reply?
You will generally receive an answer within one to three business days. Please note that Houston Methodist MyChart should not be used for urgent situations. Please call your doctor's office if the situation requires immediateattention or dial 911 if it is an emergency.
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Can I download a copy of my medical record?
Yes. From Your Menu in the My Record section select Document Center to request, review or download your medical records.
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Can I share my health record with non-Houston Methodist health care professionals?
Yes. Use the Share Everywhere tool in the Sharing section from Your Menu to grant one-time, limited access to your health record by anyone you approve, including a doctor, social worker, physical therapist, dentist or school nurse. For more information on Share Everywhere, view the MyChart Features section in this FAQ.
Houston Methodist also participates in several health information exchanges that enable physicians and health care professionals to securely, electronically transmit and receive patient health records. Only authorized caregivers outside Houston Methodist and providers involved with your care can access your information.
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Can I schedule an appointment?
Yes. You can schedule appointments via Houston Methodist MyChart if the doctor is your primary care provider, if you've had an appointment with that doctor within the past two years or if you have a previously scheduled appointmentwith that doctor in the next six months.
If you don't have an existing relationship with a doctor, you can search our Find a Doctor resource for available doctors and schedule an appointment fromthere.
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Can I schedule a same day appointment with a doctor?
Most providers' schedules are booked days and weeks in advance. If you have a non-life-threatening condition, but need to see a doctor quickly, you can receive care through an E-Visit or an appointment at a Houston Methodist Same Day Clinic. For more information on E-Visits and Same Day Appointments, view the MyChart features section in this FAQ.
To start an E-Visit or schedule a same day appointment, from Your Menu in the Find Care section, click Schedule an Appointment. Select E-Visits or Find Care Now from the Related Links on the right sidebar.
If you need urgent medical care, please contact your provider by phone or find a nearby urgent care center. For medical emergencies, call 911 immediately.
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What is MyChartCentral and Lucy?
MyChartCentral is a web site that helps you organize your health information from other Epic organizations. It's a portal to all of your Epic online charts, allowing you access without entering your username and password for each chart. With MyChartCentral, you don't need to remember a handful of passwords and visit multiple web sites looking for your medical data: You can find it all in one place.
Lucy is a feature of MyChartCentral that allows you to view, enter, and manage your personal health information. With Lucy, you can enter information about your health that you can send to your healthcare providers. You can also request copies of your medical record and review them. You can even upload medical documents.
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Share Everywhere allows you to grant one-time, limited access to the health information you can see in Houston Methodist MyChart, including medications, allergies, health issues and immunizations. This will allow them to see your health record summary, view clinical data and submit a note to your care team.
To request a share code, from Your Menu in the Sharing section, select Share My Record. For more information, click here.
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What are E-Visits?
E-Visits are offered for your convenience and to save you time by providing care through guided email communication via MyChart. If your E-Visit questionnaire is received between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, you'll receive a response within 60 minutes. Otherwise, you'll receive a response the next business day. E-Visits should be used only for specific medical conditions, including:
- Back pain
- Cough and/or cold symptoms
- Diarrhea
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Heartburn
- Red Eye
- Sinus problems
- Urinary problems
To complete an E-Visit questionnaire, select Ask a Question from Your Menu, then click Symptom Specific E-Visit.
If you need urgent medical care, please contact your provider by phone or find a nearby urgent care center. For medical emergencies, call 911 immediately.
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What is Find Care Now?
Find Care Now allows you to schedule a same day appointment or notify emergency care that you are on your way online at one of Houston Methodist's Same Day clinics, Emergency Care centers or Emergency Departments. To schedule a same day appointment, go to Your Menu and select Schedule an Appointment in the Find Care section. Then click Find Care Now under Related Links on the right sidebar. Select Same Day Clinics from the Reason for Visit page. The next available appointment time will display for each location.
To notify emergency care that you are on your way, go to the Visits menu on the navigation bar on the top of the MyChart page and select Schedule an Appointment. Then click Find Care Now under Related Links on the right sidebar. Select Emergency Care from the reason for visit page. Wait times will display for each location, allowing you to choose the location with the shortest wait time and closest location. You can notify emergency care that you are on your way by selecting the On My Way button and selecting an estimated time of arrival.
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How can I track my health in MyChart?
MyChart can integrate with Apple Health, Google Fit, Fitbit and Nokia to collect data such as step count, blood pressure or weight from these fitness apps. The data is then incorporated into your medical record, providing a more complete picture of your health.
If you are interested in sharing fitness and biometric data, talk to your provider about ordering the MyChart Personal Biometric Device flowsheet.
You can also connect to the Apple Health record app to combine your health records from multiple organizations alongside your personal fitness and biometric data, creating a holistic view of your health.
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Can I update my information before an appointment?
Yes, if you have a scheduled appointment in a clinic that is participating in eCheck-in. An eCheck-in button will display next to your scheduled appointment in MyChart.
You can update demographic, guarantor and insurance information, allergies, medications and your problem list, as well as complete questionnaires.
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Can I make a payment before an appointment?
Yes, if you have a scheduled appointment in a clinic that is participating in eCheck-in. A Payments button is available after selecting the ECHECK-IN button for your scheduled appointment. You can select to pay just your co-pay or your co-pay and any outstanding balance.
If you pay the co-pay only, your payment will not be processed until you arrive for your appointment. If you pay both the co-pay and outstanding balance together, your payment will be processed immediately.
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What is MyChart Your Hospital Stay?
MyChart Your Hospital Stay is a feature within the MyChart app that provides admitted patients and their designees the following details related to their hospitalization:
- Hospital Health Issues -- view a list of diagnoses being treated for, as well as previously identified health issues.
- Treatment Team -- view names and photos of their physicians, nurses and care team.
- Medications -- see the medications prescribed during the hospitalization and any acknowledged taking at home.
- Test Results -- review some recent lab tests and compare to previous results.
- Education -- view articles and videos specific to the treatment plan and diagnosis.
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Who can use MyChart Your Hospital Stay?
Patients and family members or caregivers designated by the patient can use MyChart to view clinical information. Each patient and/or proxy must have their own MyChart account and the MyChart mobile app to view Your Hospital Stay.
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Is MyChart Your Hospital Stay available for ED or day-surgery patients?
No. Your Hospital Stay only displays through the MyChart app after you are admitted.
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How does a patient access MyChart Your Hospital Stay?
Your Hospital Stay can only be viewed through the MyChart app on a personal, mobile device or a MyMethodist Patient tablet in participating hospital units. Note: Your Hospital Stay is NOT accessible through the web-version of MyChart.
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What labs or test results are available through MyChart Your Hospital Stay?
Most lab results must be released by the provider before they are available for patients. Only BMP and CBC will automatically display in MyChart. All other inpatient labs will display 24 hours after you're discharged.
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Can I view my statement?
Yes. You can view your statement by selecting Billing Summary in Your Menu under the Billing section. Choose the account you want to view the summary for by selecting view account and select the Communications tab. From the Statements section, select a statement to view, download or print.
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Can I pay my bill online?
Yes. You can make a payment in the Billing Summary by going to the Billing section in Your Menu and selecting the Pay Now button under an outstanding balance.
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Can I sign up for paperless billing?
Yes. For paperless billing, select the Billing Account Summary under the Billing section in Your Menu and click the Sign up for paperless billing link.
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How do I obtain an itemized bill showing the detail of charges?
To view the details of your statement, select Billing Summary from the Billing section under Your Menu. Then select Billing Summary. Select the outstanding account you want to view and click View Account. A new page will display tabs for Overview, Details, Payments and Communication. To view account details, select the Details tab. Past statements and billing letters can be found on the Communications tab. A list of payments is available on the Payments tab, including since the last statement, year-to-date, the previous year and a specific date.
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What do I do if I have a question about my bill?
For questions about your bill, you can send a secure message through your MyChart account. From Your Menu in the Communication section, select Ask a Question. Click the Customer Service Question tile and complete the message form then press Send at the bottom of the page.
To speak with a billing customer service representative directly, call 832.667.6291. Representatives are available Monday-Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday, 8 a.m. to noon.
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Can I view a friend or family member's health record in Houston Methodist MyChart?
Yes. This is called proxy access and allows you to access another persons' Houston Methodist MyChart account (e.g., spouse or parent). You can also give someone else access to your account. To provide proxy access, the persongranting access must click on Proxy Invite and log on to their MyChart account. Note: Both parties must have a Houston Methodist MyChart account for the proxy to work.
If Proxy Invite is not an option, you can request proxy access through our electronic form. This form requires a signature from the person granting access and that person should be an adult able to authorize on their own behalf.
If the adult person granting access is not able to authorize on their own behalf or there is a medical power of attorney involved, complete this form instead.
For access to a minor’s health record via MyChart as a parent, complete this electronic proxy application form.
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What if I want access to MyChart as a proxy for a minor (as their parent or guardian)?
To access the MyChart account of a minor, complete an electronic proxy application form and return it to the Houston Methodist Health Information Management Department(address and fax on the form). Once approved, you will receive further instructions on how to access their account
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Can I ask questions regarding a family member from my Houston Methodist MyChart account?
No. Houston Methodist MyChart offers direct access to your personal health record. Communications about another individual's information would have to be placed in your health record. This information would not appear in the correcthealth record and could potentially jeopardize medical care.
If you complete the proxy access process, you may communicate with a family member's doctor through their MyChart account.
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No, due to the sensitive nature of medical information, adults must establish their own Houston Methodist MyChart account. However, spouses can request proxy access to one another's MyChart accounts.
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I forgot my password. What should I do?
Click the Forgot Password link on the sign-in page to reset your password online. You may also contact our Houston Methodist customer service team at 832.667.5694 to request a new, secure password.
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Can you send me a new activation link via email or text as I have lost it, let it expire or did not receive it?
You can sign up without an activation link by accessing Houston Methodist MyChart and selecting the Sign Up Now button. You can also contact our Houston Methodist customer service team at 832.667.5694, and once we verify your information, wewill send you a new activation link.
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Where can I update my personal information (e.g., home address, e-mail or change my password)?
Log in to Houston Methodist MyChart and select Personal Information from Your Menu in the Account Settings section.
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How can I update my MyChart password?
Log in to your MyChart, then from Your Menu, under the Account Settings section, select Security Settings.
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Can I control how I receive notifications form Houston Methodist?
Yes. Use the Communications Preferences feature in Your Menu under Account Settings to choose how you would like to receive Houston Methodist notifications. You can select to receive email, text, phone or mailed messages for different message types, including appointments, test results, billing and MyChart account management.
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How can I deactivate my MyChart account if I no longer want one?
If you no longer want your Houston Methodist MyChart account, you can call Customer Service at 832.667.5694 to request a deactivation.
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How is Houston Methodist MyChart secured?
We take great care to ensure that your health information is kept private and secure. Access to information is controlled through secure activation links, personal usernames and passwords. Users control their password, and theaccount cannot be accessed without it. Unlike conventional email, all Houston Methodist MyChart messaging is done while you are securely logged on to our website.
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What is Two-Step Verification?
Houston Methodist uses your contact information we have on file to verify your identity as an additional security step to keep your health information secure.
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Why Two-Step Verification?
Two-step verification allows Houston Methodist to keep your MyChart account secure even if somebody knows your password. From now on, when you log into a computer or mobile device we don’t recognize we will ask you for a verification code. This will help make sure only you have access to your account.
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How do I change how I receive the verification code?
You are provided the option to receive your verification code via email or text each time you request a verification code.
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What happens if my email or text number changes?
You can update your email and phone number in your Houston Methodist MyChart account. If your information has already changed and you aren’t receiving a verification code, you can call Customer Service at 832.667.5694 or your doctor’s office to request that your information be updated.
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How do I change my verification code?
If you didn’t receive a verification code, you can select to resend the verification code to your email or phone.
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What is your Privacy Policy?
Houston Methodist MyChart is owned and operated by Houston Methodist and is fully compliant with federal and state laws pertaining to your privacy. Your name and email address will be treated with the same care and privacy givenyour health records, and will never be sold or leased by Houston Methodist.
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Why was I automatically logged out of Houston Methodist MyChart?
We aim to protect your privacy and the security of your information, and recommend that you log out of your Houston Methodist MyChart session if you need to leave your computer for even a short period of time. To ensure your privacyand security, we will automatically log you out of Houston Methodist MyChart if your keyboard remains idle for 15 minutes or longer.
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How do I access Houston Methodist MyChart?
Access is available through a computer, tablet or mobile device. To use your computer, you need to be connected to the internet with an up-to-date browser (such as as Microsoft Edge or Chrome). Houston Methodist MyChart is also available asan app for mobile devices.
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My activation link or code does not work, what should I do?
For your security, your activation link or code expires after 90 days and is not valid once you use it. If you still have problems, you can sign up without a code by accessing Houston Methodist MyChart and selecting the Sign Up Nowbutton. You can also contact our Houston Methodist customer service team at 832.667.5694.
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How do I access Houston Methodist MyChart on my mobile device?
MyChart mobile is currently available for free download from both the Apple® App Store™ and Android Google Play™. MyChart mobile features include schedule an appointment, view test results, get medical advice, proxy access,allergies, medications, immunizations and various other features. Once you download the MyChart app, select Houston Methodist as your health care provider, and then log in using your Houston Methodist MyChart username and password.
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What are Houston Methodist MyChart push notifications?
Push notifications allow you to be alerted through your mobile device when new information is available in your MyChart account, including a message from your doctor, a new test result, an appointment reminder or received payment. Notifications will appear on your device's lock screen or the top of the screen when the device is unlocked. When a push notification is sent, tap it to log in and access the referenced information. Push notifications are available on MyChart app versions 4.3.1 or higher.
Push notifications are not the same thing as text messages. These can only be adjusted on a mobile device. Push notifications are "banners" or alerts that appear on your phone. These cannot be adjusted on a desktop but are specific to your mobile device.
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How do I enable or disable push notifications?
For iOS devices, you'll be prompted to allow push notifications when the MyChart app is first installed on your device. Notifications are automatically enabled on Android devices.
On your mobile device, manually control push notifications by tapping Your Menu then select Account Settings and swipe to turn Notifications on or off.
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