Getting Started: Account Setup and Login

Creating your Atlantic Health MyChart account is straightforward, though the process requires a few important steps. You’ll need valid identification and information from your most recent visit to Atlantic Health facilities. The system uses this verification to ensure account security and HIPAA compliance.

To begin, visit the MyChart login page and select the option to create a new account. You’ll be prompted to enter your date of birth, the date of a recent visit, and your medical record number. If you don’t have your medical record number handy, you can locate it on any recent bill or statement from Atlantic Health. The verification process typically takes just a few minutes.

Once verified, you’ll create a secure username and password. Here’s where security becomes paramount: choose a password that combines uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters. Avoid using easily guessable information like birthdays or pet names. Your password is the only thing standing between your sensitive health information and unauthorized access.

You can also enable two-factor authentication for additional security. This means that even if someone obtains your password, they’ll need access to your phone or email to log in. It’s an extra step that takes seconds but provides substantial protection for your personal health information.

For existing Atlantic Health patients, you might receive an activation code via mail or email. Simply follow the instructions provided to activate your account. If you’re having trouble with the initial setup, the Atlantic Health customer support team is available to assist during business hours.

Dashboard Overview: Understanding Your Home Screen

Upon logging in, you’ll see your MyChart dashboard—your personal command center for all healthcare-related tasks. The layout is designed for intuitive navigation, with the most frequently accessed features prominently displayed.

The main sections typically include:

• Upcoming Appointments: A quick view of your scheduled visits, complete with dates, times, and provider names
• Recent Results: Your latest lab work, imaging results, and other diagnostic tests
• Active Medications: A current list of prescriptions and over-the-counter medications you’ve reported
• Messages: Unread communications from your healthcare providers
• Health Summary: A snapshot of your vital health metrics and chronic conditions

The dashboard is customizable, allowing you to arrange widgets based on what matters most to you. If you frequently check lab results, you might prioritize that widget. If appointment management is your primary concern, move that to the top.

One often-overlooked feature is the notification settings. You can configure alerts for appointment reminders, new lab results, medication refill opportunities, and provider messages. Finding the right balance ensures you stay informed without becoming overwhelmed by notifications.

Accessing Your Medical Records and Test Results

Your complete medical history is stored securely within MyChart, accessible 24/7. This represents a significant shift from traditional healthcare, where obtaining records required formal requests and waiting periods. Now, you can review your entire health journey with a few clicks.

The Medical Records section includes:

1. Lab Results: Complete blood work, urinalysis, and other laboratory tests with reference ranges and explanations
2. Imaging Reports: Summaries and, in many cases, images from X-rays, ultrasounds, MRIs, and CT scans
3. Clinical Notes: Provider documentation from office visits, emergency room encounters, and hospital stays
4. Discharge Summaries: Detailed summaries from any hospital admissions or procedures
5. Vaccination Records: Complete immunization history, useful for travel or employment requirements
6. Allergy and Medication History: Comprehensive lists maintained across all Atlantic Health facilities

Understanding your lab results is crucial for informed health decisions. MyChart provides reference ranges and basic explanations, but don’t hesitate to message your provider if results seem confusing. Mayo Clinic’s patient education resources can also help you understand common lab values and what they mean for your health.

The records are organized chronologically and by type, making it easy to track how your health has evolved. You can download and print records for personal records, second opinions, or specialist consultations. This portability of information is invaluable when coordinating care across multiple providers.

If you notice missing records or discrepancies, contact Atlantic Health’s Medical Records Department. They’re required by law to maintain accurate, complete records and can help resolve any issues.

Scheduling and Managing Appointments

Gone are the days of calling during business hours and waiting on hold. MyChart allows you to schedule appointments with available providers and locations directly through the portal. The system shows real-time availability, allowing you to choose times that fit your schedule.

When scheduling, you’ll select:

• Your preferred provider or specialty (if you don’t have a specific doctor in mind)
• The type of visit (routine checkup, follow-up, new patient, etc.)
• Your preferred location from Atlantic Health’s network
• Available dates and times

The platform indicates appointment wait times, helping you make informed decisions. If your preferred provider has a six-week wait, you might choose another qualified physician to be seen sooner. The system also shows whether appointments are available in-person or via telehealth video visit.

Telehealth has revolutionized healthcare access, particularly for routine consultations and follow-ups. Rather than taking time off work and driving to an appointment, you can meet with your provider from home. This is especially valuable for busy professionals and those with mobility challenges.

Managing your appointments is equally simple. You can view all scheduled visits, receive automatic reminders, and cancel or reschedule as needed. Atlantic Health asks for 24-hour cancellation notice to allow other patients to book available slots. If you need to cancel, do so promptly through MyChart rather than simply not showing up.

The appointment section also displays no-show history, which can impact future scheduling privileges. Healthcare providers use this data to manage their schedules and patient volumes. Respecting appointment commitments ensures continued access to convenient scheduling options.

Secure Messaging with Healthcare Providers

The secure messaging feature is one of MyChart’s most powerful tools for ongoing communication with your healthcare team. Unlike email, these messages are encrypted and integrated with your medical record, ensuring nothing gets lost in translation.

You can message your providers about:

• Questions about medications or treatment plans
• Symptom updates or concerns between appointments
• Prior authorization requests or insurance questions
• Prescription refill requests
• Test result clarifications
• Referral requests to specialists

Typical response times range from 24 to 48 hours, though routine matters are often addressed more quickly. For urgent concerns—chest pain, severe bleeding, difficulty breathing—always call 911 or go to the emergency room rather than using messaging.

Effective messaging means being clear and concise. Include relevant details like when symptoms started, what makes them better or worse, and any medications you’ve taken. The more context you provide, the more helpful your provider’s response will be.

Keep in mind that messaging isn’t appropriate for medication refills if you’re running low urgently. Plan ahead and submit refill requests at least a week before you’ll run out. For time-sensitive issues, call your provider’s office directly.

Prescription Management and Refills

Managing prescriptions through MyChart streamlines a process that traditionally involved phone calls to your pharmacy and provider’s office. The Pharmacy section shows all your current medications, dosages, refill history, and upcoming refill eligibility dates.

You can request refills directly through the portal for most medications. The system shows which prescriptions are eligible for refill based on your provider’s authorization. Once you request a refill, the message goes to your provider’s office for approval, then transmits to your pharmacy.

The pharmacy integration feature is particularly valuable. You can:

• See which pharmacy has your prescription in stock
• Compare prices across different pharmacies
• Transfer prescriptions between pharmacies
• Set up automatic refills for chronic medications
• View your refill history and remaining quantities

For chronic conditions requiring ongoing medications, automatic refills prevent the stress of running out unexpectedly. You’ll receive a notification when your refill is ready for pickup, and you can schedule it to coincide with your pharmacy visits.

If you’re prescribed a new medication, review the information provided in MyChart carefully. It includes dosage instructions, potential side effects, drug interactions, and dietary considerations. If you have questions about your medication, don’t hesitate to message your provider or speak with your pharmacist.

Health Tracking and Wellness Features

Modern MyChart platforms increasingly integrate wellness tracking capabilities that go beyond traditional medical records. These features help you maintain proactive health management rather than reactive treatment.

Some health tracking features may include:

• Blood Pressure Monitoring: Log readings from home devices to track trends over time
• Weight Management: Record weight changes and set health goals
• Activity Tracking: Sync data from fitness apps and wearable devices
• Symptom Tracking: Document recurring symptoms or side effects
• Mental Health Check-ins: Brief questionnaires assessing mood and stress levels
• Medication Adherence: Reminders to take medications on schedule

This data becomes valuable during provider visits. Rather than relying on memory, you have documented trends and patterns to discuss. If your blood pressure has been consistently elevated, your provider can make informed treatment adjustments based on real data rather than a single office reading.

The wellness section often includes educational resources about preventive care, chronic disease management, and lifestyle modifications. The National Institutes of Health provides evidence-based health information that complements your MyChart experience.

If you’re interested in working in healthcare and advancing wellness initiatives, understanding patient engagement platforms like MyChart provides valuable insight into modern healthcare delivery.

Security and Privacy Considerations

Your health information is among the most sensitive personal data you possess. Atlantic Health takes security seriously, implementing multiple layers of protection, but your behavior matters too.

Security best practices for MyChart include:

• Never share your password: Your username and password are personal. Don’t write them down or share them with family members, even if they help manage your healthcare
• Use secure connections: Always access MyChart through the official website or app, not through email links or suspicious websites
• Log out on shared devices: If you access MyChart from a library computer, school device, or shared family computer, always log out completely
• Enable two-factor authentication: This extra security layer significantly reduces unauthorized access risk
• Review privacy settings: Understand who can access your information and adjust sharing settings as needed
• Monitor account activity: Regularly check your login history for suspicious activity

Atlantic Health complies with HIPAA regulations, which protect your health information privacy. However, it’s important to understand that information you share with providers becomes part of your medical record and may be accessed by various healthcare professionals involved in your care.

If you’re concerned about privacy regarding specific information—perhaps a sensitive diagnosis or treatment—discuss this with your provider. They can help you understand who needs access to this information for your care and explore options for limiting visibility if appropriate.

For more detailed information on health privacy rights, the Department of Health and Human Services HIPAA website provides comprehensive resources.

Common Issues and Troubleshooting

Even the most user-friendly platforms occasionally present challenges. Here are common issues and practical solutions:

Can’t Log In: First, verify you’re using the correct username (not email address unless that’s your username). If you’ve forgotten your password, use the “Forgot Password” link to reset it. You’ll receive an email with instructions. If you’re still having trouble, check that your account was properly activated. New users sometimes skip the activation step.

Missing Records: It can take 24-48 hours for new test results to appear in MyChart after they’re completed. If results from several days ago are still missing, contact your provider’s office. There may be a delay in the provider reviewing and releasing results.

Appointment Scheduling Issues: If you can’t find available appointments, try adjusting your search criteria. Expand your location preferences or consider providers other than your usual one. If no appointments are available anywhere in the system, contact your provider’s office directly—they may have availability not yet uploaded to MyChart.

Slow Loading or Technical Glitches: Clear your browser cache and cookies, then try again. If problems persist, try a different browser or the mobile app. If the entire system seems down, check Atlantic Health’s website for service announcements. Scheduled maintenance occasionally requires temporary outages.

Messages Not Being Received: Ensure you’re checking your MyChart inbox, not your regular email. Some messages may be filtered as spam if you’re using email notifications. Adjust notification settings to ensure you’re alerted when new messages arrive.

Prescription Refill Delays: Refills typically process within 24 hours but may take longer if your provider needs to review medication adjustments. If it’s been more than 48 hours, contact your pharmacy to confirm they received the authorization.

For issues that persist after troubleshooting, Atlantic Health’s technical support team is available. Most facilities have dedicated MyChart support staff who can provide personalized assistance. Don’t hesitate to reach out—they’re there to help.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I share my MyChart access with a family member?

Atlantic Health allows authorized representatives to access patient accounts, but this must be set up formally through account settings or by speaking with a representative. You cannot simply give someone your password. The proper process ensures privacy protection while allowing trusted individuals to help manage your healthcare. This is particularly important for parents managing children’s accounts or adult children assisting aging parents.

How far back do my medical records go on MyChart?

Most MyChart systems display records from the past 3-10 years, depending on when your health system implemented electronic records. Older records may be archived but are still available by request. If you need historical records from before your health system’s electronic implementation, contact Medical Records directly. They can provide paper copies or electronic scans of older documents.

Is MyChart HIPAA compliant?

Yes, Atlantic Health’s MyChart platform is fully HIPAA compliant. It uses encryption, secure authentication, and audit trails to protect your health information. However, compliance is a shared responsibility—you must also follow security best practices like protecting your password and logging out on shared devices.

Can I access MyChart from my smartphone?

Absolutely. Atlantic Health offers mobile apps for both iOS and Android devices. The mobile app provides the same functionality as the web version but with an interface optimized for smaller screens. Many users find the app more convenient for quick checks and appointment management. Download it from your device’s app store and log in with your MyChart credentials.

What should I do if I notice an error in my medical records?

Contact your provider or Atlantic Health’s Medical Records Department immediately. You have the right to request corrections to inaccurate information. The correction process typically involves submitting a written request explaining the error. Your provider will review it and either correct the record or add a statement of disagreement if they believe the record is accurate.

Can I use MyChart to request prescription refills for controlled substances?

Most controlled substances cannot be refilled through MyChart due to regulatory requirements. You’ll need to contact your provider’s office or pharmacy directly for these medications. Your pharmacy can often help facilitate the process by contacting your provider on your behalf.

How do I know if my provider has seen my message?

MyChart shows message status—whether it’s been delivered, read, and responded to. Once your provider opens your message, the status updates. If you haven’t received a response within 48 hours, it’s appropriate to follow up or call the office directly.

Can I download my complete medical record from MyChart?

Yes, most MyChart systems allow you to download or request your complete medical record. This is valuable for maintaining personal health records, sharing with specialists outside Atlantic Health, or simply having a backup. The download process typically generates a PDF file containing your records. WebMD and other health resources recommend maintaining personal copies of your medical records for continuity of care.

What if I want to compare my experience with other health systems?

If you’re curious about how Atlantic Health’s MyChart compares to other platforms, many health systems offer similar portals. Novant Health MyChart and Spectrum Health MyChart are comparable platforms used by other major health systems. Each has unique features, but the core functionality—medical records access, appointment scheduling, prescription management, and provider messaging—remains consistent across modern health portals.

Are there career opportunities in health information management?

The healthcare IT field is growing rapidly. If you’re interested in healthcare careers beyond clinical practice, consider health information management jobs, which focus on organizing, maintaining, and securing patient data. These roles are essential for platforms like MyChart and represent rewarding careers for those passionate about healthcare administration and information technology.

How often should I check MyChart?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. If you have chronic conditions requiring frequent monitoring or regular provider visits, checking weekly makes sense. For generally healthy individuals with occasional medical needs, checking monthly or as needed is sufficient. Set up notifications for important events like new results or appointment reminders so you don’t have to manually check constantly.

MyChart Atlantic Health represents the future of patient engagement—a platform that empowers you to take active control of your healthcare. By mastering its features and following security best practices, you’ll maximize the value this powerful tool offers. Your health is too important to leave to chance; make MyChart your partner in wellness.