How to Use MyChart Novant Health: A Quick Guide

Managing your healthcare shouldn’t feel like navigating a maze blindfolded. Yet for many patients, accessing medical records, scheduling appointments, and communicating with providers can feel unnecessarily complicated. That’s where Novant Health MyChart comes in—a digital tool designed to put your health information right at your fingertips.

Whether you’re a long-time Novant Health patient or new to their system, understanding how to use MyChart can transform how you engage with your healthcare. From viewing lab results to refilling prescriptions, this platform consolidates essential medical functions into one accessible space. The best part? Most of it is surprisingly intuitive once you know where to look.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about using MyChart Novant Health, from initial setup to advanced features that can genuinely improve your healthcare experience. Let’s break down the process step by step so you can take control of your health information with confidence.

Getting Started with MyChart

Before diving into the specifics of MyChart Novant Health, it’s worth understanding what this platform actually does. MyChart is a patient portal—essentially your personal gateway to your electronic health records (EHR). It’s maintained by Epic Systems, one of the largest EHR providers in the healthcare industry, which means the interface is standardized across many healthcare systems nationwide.

The portal serves multiple purposes: it gives you access to your medical history, allows you to schedule appointments, enables communication with your healthcare team, and lets you manage prescriptions. Think of it as your personal health command center, available 24/7 from any internet-connected device.

Getting started is straightforward. You’ll need an active Novant Health patient account and internet access. Most patients receive information about creating their MyChart account when they register at a Novant Health facility, but you can also initiate the process independently through the Novant Health website.

Setting Up Your Account

Creating your MyChart account involves a few essential steps. First, visit the Novant Health website and locate the MyChart login portal. You’ll see an option for new users to register. Click on this option, and you’ll be prompted to verify your identity using information from your medical records.

Novant Health typically asks for personal details like your date of birth, Social Security number, and phone number associated with your account. This verification process ensures that only authorized individuals can access sensitive health information. It’s a crucial security measure that protects your privacy.

Once you’ve verified your identity, you’ll create your username and password. Choose something memorable but secure—avoid using obvious information like birthdays or sequential numbers. Your password should include uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters for maximum security. This is particularly important when dealing with sensitive health information, as you’re learning about healthcare privacy considerations that affect all patient portals.

After setting up your credentials, you’ll be asked to establish security questions and answers. These serve as backup verification if you ever forget your password. Choose questions you can answer consistently and that aren’t easily guessable by others.

Finally, you may have the option to link your account to family members or dependents, depending on your situation. This feature is particularly useful for parents managing children’s healthcare or adult children overseeing elderly parents’ medical care.

Navigating the Dashboard

Once you’ve logged into your account, you’ll land on your MyChart dashboard. This is your central hub, and understanding its layout will make everything else easier. The dashboard typically displays your upcoming appointments, recent test results, pending messages, and prescription information at a glance.

On the left side of the screen, you’ll usually find a navigation menu with various options. These typically include sections for appointments, medical records, messages, prescriptions, and account settings. Some versions also include a search function that lets you quickly find specific information.

The main content area in the center displays your personalized information. You might see upcoming appointments listed chronologically, recent lab results with their values, or notifications about new messages from your healthcare providers. The layout is designed to prioritize the information you access most frequently.

In the upper right corner, you’ll usually find account-related options like your profile settings, preferences, and a logout button. It’s good practice to log out after each session, especially if you’re accessing MyChart from a shared device.

Take time to explore the interface. Most elements are intuitive, with clear labels and straightforward navigation. If something isn’t immediately obvious, hovering over icons or labels usually reveals tooltips that explain their function.

Accessing Your Medical Records

One of the most powerful features of MyChart is the ability to access your complete medical records. This includes past visit summaries, lab results, imaging reports, medication lists, and clinical notes from your healthcare providers. Having this information readily available can be incredibly valuable for your health management.

To access your medical records, look for the “Medical Records” or “Chart” section in your navigation menu. Click on this, and you’ll see various categories of information organized by date or type. Lab results are typically separated from visit summaries, which are separated from imaging reports, making it easy to find what you need.

When reviewing lab results, you’ll see the specific values, reference ranges, and often interpretive comments from your provider. If a result seems unusual or you don’t understand it, this is an excellent opportunity to reach out to your healthcare team with specific questions. Understanding your patient portal capabilities can help you engage more meaningfully with your medical information.

You can typically download or print your medical records directly from MyChart. This is useful if you’re switching providers, need documentation for insurance purposes, or simply want a personal copy. Most systems allow you to export records in PDF format, making them easy to share or store.

One important note: not all information in your complete medical record may be immediately visible through MyChart. Some providers restrict access to certain sensitive information, such as mental health records or substance abuse treatment notes, as permitted under privacy laws. If you believe you should have access to specific information and don’t see it, contact your healthcare provider directly.

Managing Appointments

MyChart makes appointment management significantly more convenient. You can view all your scheduled appointments in one place, receive reminders, and often schedule new appointments directly through the portal without calling your provider’s office.

To schedule an appointment, look for the “Appointments” or “Schedule an Appointment” option in your menu. You’ll typically see available providers and time slots. Select the type of visit you need (routine checkup, follow-up, etc.), choose your preferred provider if options are available, and select a time that works for your schedule. The system will confirm your appointment immediately.

Canceling or rescheduling appointments is equally straightforward. If your circumstances change, simply navigate to your scheduled appointment and look for options to cancel or reschedule. Most systems allow you to make these changes up until a certain time before your appointment, typically 24 hours in advance.

Appointment reminders are usually sent automatically via email or text message, depending on your preferences. These reminders help you avoid no-shows, which is important for both you and your healthcare provider’s office. You can typically adjust your notification preferences in your account settings.

If you’re interested in exploring career opportunities within Novant Health while you’re managing your healthcare, you might also want to check out Novant Health Careers information for employment possibilities.

Secure Messaging with Providers

One of the most valuable features of MyChart is secure messaging. This allows you to communicate directly with your healthcare providers without playing phone tag or waiting on hold. Messages are encrypted and stored in your medical record, creating a documented trail of your healthcare conversations.

To send a message, look for the “Messages” or “Inbox” section in your navigation menu. Click on the option to compose a new message, select your recipient (usually your primary care provider or a specific specialist), and type your message. Be clear and specific about your question or concern, as this helps your provider respond more effectively.

Common uses for secure messaging include asking about medication side effects, requesting prescription refills, clarifying after-visit instructions, or following up on test results. Avoid using this feature for true emergencies—if you’re experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room instead.

Response times vary depending on your provider’s workload, but most aim to respond within 24-48 business hours. Some practices are faster, while others may take longer during busy periods. Your message will show its status (sent, read, or replied) so you know where things stand.

Keep in mind that secure messaging has limitations. It’s not ideal for lengthy conversations or complex medical issues that might require a phone call or in-person visit. Use your judgment about when messaging is appropriate and when you should schedule a call or appointment instead.

Prescription Management

Managing prescriptions through MyChart streamlines the medication refill process. You can request refills directly through the portal, view your current medications, and check your prescription history—all without calling your pharmacy.

To request a prescription refill, navigate to the “Prescriptions” section of your portal. You’ll see a list of your current medications. Select the medication you need refilled, and request a refill. The request goes to your prescribing provider, who reviews it and sends approval (or denial) to your pharmacy.

The process typically takes 24-48 hours, though this varies by provider and pharmacy. Once approved, your pharmacy will fill the prescription, and you can pick it up or have it delivered, depending on your pharmacy’s services.

One helpful feature in most MyChart systems is the medication list. This consolidates all your current medications in one place, showing dosages, frequencies, and the prescribing provider. This is particularly useful if you see multiple providers, as it helps prevent medication interactions and ensures everyone on your healthcare team knows what you’re taking.

You can also view your prescription history, which shows medications you’ve taken in the past. This information is valuable when discussing your medical history with new providers or when you need to remember the name of a medication you tried previously.

Using the Mobile App

While the web version of MyChart Novant Health is fully functional, the mobile app provides additional convenience, especially for on-the-go access. The MyChart app is available for both iOS and Android devices and offers most of the same functionality as the web version.

Download the app from your device’s app store and log in using the same credentials you use for the web version. The mobile interface is optimized for smaller screens, making navigation intuitive and touch-friendly. Many users find the mobile app faster and more convenient for quick tasks like checking appointment times or sending a quick message to their provider.

The app also typically includes features like appointment reminders and notification badges that alert you to new messages or results. You can customize these notifications in your app settings to suit your preferences.

One security consideration: make sure you log out of the mobile app if you’re using a shared device. The app may remember your login by default, which could allow others to access your health information. For devices you use exclusively, this is less of a concern, but it’s still good practice.

If you’re comparing different healthcare systems’ patient portals, you might want to explore how Texas Health MyChart or Essentia Health MyChart compare to your current system, as these portals share similar underlying architecture.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Even with intuitive design, technical issues can occasionally arise. Here are solutions to common MyChart problems:

• Forgotten Password: Click the “Forgot Password” link on the login screen. You’ll be prompted to verify your identity using security questions or other verification methods, then you can reset your password.
• Account Locked: After multiple failed login attempts, your account may lock temporarily for security. Wait 30 minutes before attempting to log in again, or contact Novant Health support for assistance.
• Can’t Find Information: If you’re looking for specific results or records that should be in your chart, they may not have been uploaded yet. Wait a few hours and refresh your browser, or contact your healthcare provider’s office.
• Technical Glitches: Clear your browser cache and cookies, then try again. If problems persist, try a different browser or device. If the issue continues, contact Novant Health technical support.
• Login Issues on Mobile App: Ensure your app is updated to the latest version. If problems persist, try uninstalling and reinstalling the app.

For persistent technical issues, Novant Health provides customer support. Look for a “Help” or “Support” link within MyChart, or call the patient support number provided by your healthcare facility.

Security and Privacy Considerations

Your health information is sensitive and protected by law. Understanding security best practices ensures your information stays private and secure.

MyChart uses encryption technology to protect your data in transit and at rest. This means information is scrambled during transmission and stored securely on servers. However, your responsibility includes protecting your login credentials. Never share your username or password with anyone, including healthcare staff members (they won’t ask for this information).

Use a strong, unique password that you don’t use for other accounts. If you suspect your account has been compromised, change your password immediately and contact Novant Health support. When accessing MyChart from public devices like library computers, always log out completely when finished and clear your browser history.

Be mindful of your internet connection’s security. Avoid accessing sensitive health information over public Wi-Fi networks, as these connections are vulnerable to interception. Use your home network or mobile data for accessing MyChart, or connect to a trusted VPN if you must use public Wi-Fi.

Understanding your rights regarding healthcare privacy protection is important. You have the right to know what information is in your medical record, to request corrections if information is inaccurate, and to understand how your information is being used.

Novant Health is required to comply with HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act), which sets national standards for protecting health information privacy. Your portal use is subject to these protections, meaning your healthcare provider cannot disclose your information to unauthorized parties without your permission.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is MyChart Novant Health free to use?

Yes, MyChart is completely free for all Novant Health patients. There are no subscription fees or hidden charges. You only need an internet connection and a Novant Health patient account to access it.

Can I access MyChart if I’m a new patient?

You can register for MyChart once you’ve had your first visit or encounter with Novant Health. If you’re a new patient, complete your initial appointment first, then register for the portal. Your healthcare provider’s office can also help you set up an account.

How long does it take to receive responses to messages?

Most providers aim to respond within 24-48 business hours. Response times may vary depending on provider workload and office policies. Urgent matters should be addressed through a phone call or in-person visit, not through secure messaging.

Can I share my MyChart account with family members?

You can authorize family members or caregivers to view your information through MyChart’s proxy or delegation features, but they cannot use your login credentials. Set up delegation through your account settings, which allows them to access your information with your permission.

What if I’m having technical problems with MyChart?

First, try clearing your browser cache and cookies, then refresh the page. If problems persist, try a different browser or device. For continued issues, contact Novant Health’s technical support team through the help section of MyChart or by calling your facility directly.

Is my information secure in MyChart?

Yes, MyChart uses encryption and security protocols compliant with HIPAA regulations. Your information is protected both during transmission and while stored on secure servers. However, you must protect your login credentials and avoid accessing the portal over unsecured public Wi-Fi networks.

Can I download my complete medical records from MyChart?

Yes, you can typically download and print your medical records in PDF format through MyChart. This is useful for personal records, switching providers, or insurance documentation. Some records may require additional verification or may have restricted access.

What should I do if I forget my MyChart password?

Click the “Forgot Password” link on the login page. You’ll be guided through a verification process using security questions or other identifying information. Once verified, you can create a new password.

Can I use MyChart to request prescription refills?

Yes, prescription refill requests can be submitted directly through MyChart. Select your medication from the prescriptions list and request a refill. Your provider reviews the request and sends approval to your pharmacy, typically within 24-48 hours.

How do I update my contact information in MyChart?

Access your account settings or profile section within MyChart. You can update your phone number, email address, and other contact information. These changes help ensure you receive appointment reminders and messages through your preferred method.