Community Tech Tip – You Really Need To Try MyChart!

Russ Alman attended a MyChart training in February held by Confluence Health and the NCW Tech Alliance.

by Russ Alman, Communications Director

If you are a patient in the Confluence Health system, you have likely been contacted and/or encouraged to use MyChart. While some seniors I have talked to have embraced this tool, there are quite a few others that have yet to give it a try. Some didn't receive or lost their login information; others are intimidated by the technology, and some insist that since they've done it "the old-fashioned way" for years, they don't want to change. As a certified MyChart trainer, I'd like you to consider the huge benefits from taking the time to leverage is valuable tool. Here are just some of the reasons MyChart is worth the effort:

MyChart is available on your computer or in an app on your smartphone or tablet. Whichever way you use it, you’ll still have access to the same information.

MyChart allows you to access all of your records in one place, including medical records, test results, invoices and payments. Even if you receive paperwork in the mail, it’s helpful to have everything organized in one place. You can also pay your bills and set up payment plans.

MyChart makes it easy to schedule a drop-in appointment at the walk-in clinic. If you give them permission, they can even track your arrival to minimize wait time.

Unlike your doctor's office, MyChart is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. You are never on hold waiting for a receptionist or trying to navigate a phone tree and you can review your records at your own convenience.

MyChart makes scheduling appointments easier than by telephone. MyChart is particularly ideal for those who are hard of hearing because you can see available appointments on the screen and self-select the best option, rather than try to hear dates from a receptionist over the telephone.
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On a related note, scheduling with DirectCare, the new check-in system for the walk-in clinic, is much easier if you use MyChart, particularly when you use the app on your phone. You simply choose DirectCare, choose a location and select the time slot that works for you. You can even set up your phone to let the clinic know when you are arriving so you don’t have to wait in line to check in. 

MyChart improves access to your medical team. If you have a health-related question, select the message section, start a new message, choose the appropriate provider, and send them a message. Rather than play phone tag with your doctor's office, their staff will receive your message right away and either an assistant or the physician will reply. Since doctor's offices are busy, this allows them to get back to you when they have time to respond, and you can read their message and respond to it if needed when it is convenient for you. 

(In the tech world, we call this "asynchronous communication,” and I am a big of it as a transactional tool.)

You also can easily request prescription refills. If the doctor doesn’t need to see you in person to write a prescription, you can handle it entirely through MyChart and have them send it to your preferred pharmacy.

MyChart has more information than the handout you receive at the end of an appointment. In addition to a copy of your patient summary, each appointment has a link to the provider's notes that include everything that was discussed. Doctors commonly use these notes to give more specific, personalized instructions for patients. If you’re not reading these notes, you might be missing important information.

MyChart keeps your list of prescriptions up to date.  You can pull up your full list of medications at any time to review them, delete ones you are no longer taking, add over-the-counter medications and supplements, and leave comments on issues you have. The more medications you take, the higher the risk of interactions, so it is very important to keep this list current, even when you add herbal supplements on your own. Since all doctors in the system have access to this list, you can play a part in making sure all of your doctors are aware of what you are taking.

MyChart lets you track test results over time. Many of us receive an annual blood panel to monitor for signs of disease. MyChart maintains a record of all of your test results and charts the individual tests over time. So, for example, if you are at risk for developing diabetes, you can see how your glucose and triglyceride levels trend over time. And for those of us with a family history of prostate cancer, we can make sure that baseline number on the PSA test stays low.

MyChart also keeps a record of all of your immunizations, and since Washington state tracks all of these through a central database, your MyChart records should stay up to date automatically, no matter where you get your shots.

MyChart interconnects with other medical organizations. If you spend the winter in another state, it's very possible that the healthcare system you use there also uses MyChart. Not only can you have a MyChart account within both organizations, but you can also share information between the accounts. That means your healthcare providers in Wenatchee can coordinate with your winter doctors.

MyChart can share information with trusted contacts. As we get older, it becomes more important to have trusted family members or friends who can help us make healthcare decisions, especially if we become incapacitated. MyChart allows you to set up proxies who can access your medical information. You can also assign different levels of access.
You can also share your medical information with doctors outside of the Confluence system, even if they don’t use MyChart.

Okay, you convinced me. How do I get started with MyChart? Once you become a patient in the Confluence system, you should receive access information in the mail. If you didn't receive an invitation, give Confluence a call a (509) 436-4020 during business hours and they can help you set up your account. Confluence has people specially trained to help onboard you with MyChart.

And a reminder: in addition, you are welcome to ask us questions about MyChart at our weekly Tech Help Table held in the Social Hall on Fridays from 12:30 p.m. to 2 p.m.

Happy MyChart-ing!