Managing Your Health Online: A Practical Guide to Using the Novant Health MyChart Portal

Keeping up with appointments, lab results, and medical paperwork can feel overwhelming. Office voicemails, printout instructions, reminder cards—it all adds up quickly. The Novant Health MyChart portal is designed to bring many of these pieces together in one secure, online place so you can more easily stay on top of your health information.

This guide walks through how to use Novant Health MyChart to manage appointments and medical records, what you can expect to see, and practical tips for getting the most out of it—without getting lost in technical details.

What Is Novant Health MyChart and Why Use It?

Novant Health MyChart is an online patient portal that lets you view and manage parts of your medical information from a computer or mobile device. It is designed to give patients and caregivers easier access to:

• Upcoming and past appointments
• Visit summaries and discharge instructions
• Certain test results and imaging reports
• Medications, allergies, and parts of the health record
• Options for secure messaging with participating clinics
• Billing and insurance information, depending on availability

While MyChart does not replace in-person care or emergency services, many people use it to:

• Confirm appointment details instead of relying on memory
• Review what was discussed after a visit
• See test results without waiting for postal mail
• Share records with other clinicians when needed
• Keep track of health information for children, older adults, or family members (with appropriate permissions)

The sections below explain how to log in, navigate the dashboard, manage appointments, and access medical records step by step.

Getting Started: Access, Setup, and Login

Before you can manage appointments or records in MyChart, you need an account. The exact screens and steps may change over time, but the overall process tends to follow a similar pattern.

Creating a MyChart Account

You can usually sign up for Novant Health MyChart in a few ways:

• During a visit: Some clinics offer signup at check-in or check-out and provide an activation code.
• From a signup page: Patients may be able to create an account online by verifying identity details.
• Through an activation email or letter: Sometimes, an email or paper letter from the clinic includes a code and instructions.

You can expect to:

1. Provide identifying information
   This may include your name, date of birth, and contact information. In some cases, additional details like a medical record number or activation code are used to match you to the correct records.

2. Create login credentials
   You will select:

   • A username
   • A password
   • Security questions or multi-factor authentication settings (for example, a code sent to your phone or email)

3. Review and accept terms
   There may be a privacy notice or terms of use outlining how the portal can be used and how your information is protected.

Logging In Securely

Once your account is created:

• Go to the Novant Health MyChart login page or open the MyChart mobile app if you use it.
• Enter your username and password.
• Complete any two-step verification if it is enabled (such as entering a code sent to your phone).

🔐 Security tip:
Avoid accessing your account on unsecured public Wi‑Fi. If you must, log out as soon as you finish and do not ask the browser to save your password.

Navigating the MyChart Dashboard

After logging in, you typically see a dashboard or home page with tiles or links to different features. The layout can vary, but common sections include:

• Appointments
• Visits or Past Visits
• Test Results
• Medications
• Messages
• Billing
• Profile / Account Settings

You can think of the dashboard as your “control center” for managing appointments and accessing medical records.

Key Areas at a Glance

Here’s a simple overview of the areas most relevant to appointments and records:

Most patients use Appointments, Visits, and Test Results the most frequently, so the next sections focus on those.

How To Use MyChart To Manage Appointments

One of the most practical uses of Novant Health MyChart is managing your appointments. This typically includes scheduling, confirming details, rescheduling, canceling, and in some cases, checking in online.

Viewing Upcoming and Past Appointments

Under the Appointments or Visits tab, you can generally see:

• Upcoming appointments

  • Date and time
  • Location (clinic, hospital, virtual visit)
  • Type of visit (for example, primary care, specialist, follow-up)
  • Name of the clinician or department

• Past appointments

  • Completed visits
  • Canceled or missed visits in some views

This can be especially helpful when:

• You forget what time or which location your appointment is at
• You help manage care for someone else and need to keep track of their visits
• You want to check how long it has been since a prior visit

Scheduling Appointments Online

Depending on the specific clinic and visit type, MyChart may allow self-scheduling for certain services. While options can vary, the general process often looks like this:

1. Go to the Appointments section
   Look for a button or link such as “Schedule an Appointment”, “Book Now”, or “New Appointment.”

2. Select the visit type
   Common options include:

   • Primary care
   • Follow-up visit
   • Certain routine tests or screenings
   • Video or virtual visits (when available)

3. Choose the provider or location
   You may be able to:

   • Select a specific clinician you have seen before
   • Choose a clinic or department
   • Allow MyChart to show “first available” appointments

4. Pick a date and time
   The system displays open time slots. You select one that fits your schedule.

5. Confirm and complete questions

   • You might be asked the reason for your visit.
   • For some appointment types, you may answer short questionnaires ahead of time.

📝 Helpful practice:
Use the “reason for visit” field to briefly describe your main concern in your own words. This does not replace talking with your clinician, but it may help the clinic prepare.

Rescheduling or Canceling Appointments

Plans change. Many patients use MyChart to reschedule or cancel visits without having to call the office, when that option is enabled.

To adjust an appointment:

1. Open the Appointments list and locate the specific visit.
2. Look for buttons such as:
   • “Cancel”
   • “Reschedule” or “Change Appointment”
3. Follow the prompts:
   • Choose a new time slot (for rescheduling)
   • Confirm the cancellation and reason if requested

⏰ Timing note:
Some clinics set time limits around online changes (for example, closing online changes a set number of hours before the visit). In such cases, you might need to call the office if you are close to the appointment time.

Checking In Before Your Visit (eCheck-In)

Many portals, including MyChart-based systems, offer an eCheck-In feature before certain appointments. This can help speed up check-in the day of the visit.

During eCheck-In, you may be able to:

• Review your contact information
• Confirm insurance details
• Verify or update your medication list
• Check allergies
• Sign certain forms or consents

You can generally access eCheck-In by:

1. Going to Appointments
2. Selecting the upcoming visit
3. Clicking “eCheck-In”, “Check In Online”, or a similar option if it is available

✅ Benefits of eCheck-In:

• Reduces the amount of paperwork you handle in the waiting room
• Helps ensure the clinic has up-to-date information
• Gives you a chance to review what’s on file before your visit

Using MyChart To Access Medical Records and Results

Another major function of Novant Health MyChart is access to parts of your medical record, including visit summaries, test results, and certain documents.

Viewing Visit Summaries and After-Visit Information

Under Visits, Past Visits, or a similar tab, you may see each completed appointment listed. Selecting a visit often shows:

• The date and location of the visit
• The clinician’s name
• Reason for visit (if documented)
• A visit summary or after-visit summary (AVS), which can include:
  • Diagnoses or conditions addressed
  • General next steps or instructions
  • Orders placed (for example, lab tests or imaging)
  • Referrals to other clinics or services

📄 Practical use:
Many patients use these summaries to:

• Refresh their memory of what was discussed
• Check instructions after leaving the office
• Share information with family who help with care
• Keep a personal record of their health history

Accessing Test Results

The Test Results section of MyChart can show many types of results, such as:

• Blood tests
• Urine tests
• Pathology results (in some cases)
• Imaging reports (for example, X‑rays or MRIs) when available

When you click on a specific test, you may see:

• The name of the test
• The result value
• Any reference ranges the lab provides
• The date the sample was collected
• Sometimes a brief note from the ordering clinician

⚠️ Important perspective:
Test results can be complex and sometimes appear before you have discussed them with a clinician. If something looks unfamiliar or worrying:

• Use the portal to see whether messaging is available to ask non‑urgent questions.
• Wait for or schedule a follow-up visit if a conversation is already planned.
• For urgent concerns or symptoms, follow the instructions you have received from your care team or seek in-person care, rather than relying on portal messages.

Downloading or Printing Records

MyChart often allows patients to download or print:

• Visit summaries
• Test result reports
• Portions of the health summary, such as medication lists or allergies

This can be helpful when:

• Seeing another clinician outside the Novant Health system
• Preparing for a specialist appointment
• Keeping a home health binder or personal health file

Look for buttons such as:

• “Download”
• “Print”
• “View as PDF”

🗂️ Organizational tip:
Some patients create a digital folder on their computer or secure cloud storage and save PDFs with clear names like “2026‑05‑CardiologyVisitSummary.pdf” to keep track over time.

Managing Medications, Allergies, and Health History

The Medications and Health Summary sections of MyChart can help you keep an overview of the information your clinicians have on file.

Medication Lists

The Medications tab usually shows:

• Medication names
• Dosages
• How often they are taken
• Prescribing clinician
• Pharmacy information (in some cases)

From here, some patients may be able to:

• Request refills from participating clinics
• Mark medications as “not taking” if they have been stopped (depending on portal functions)
• Check instructions that were recorded in the chart

💊 Use case examples:

• Bringing up the list at a new consultation
• Double-checking a medication name before picking up a refill
• Comparing what you actually take with what is listed, then discussing discrepancies at a visit

Allergies and Health Conditions

Under Health Summary or a similar section, you may see:

• Allergies and any recorded reactions
• A list of diagnosed conditions or “problem list”
• Immunizations, when documented
• Past surgeries or procedures

This can be useful for:

• Confirming what is already on record before a new visit
• Identifying information that may need updating
• Sharing basic history with other providers

If you notice something missing or incorrect, there is often a way to:

• Use secure messaging to ask about updating the record
• Ask staff to review and revise information at your next appointment

Using Messages and Notifications Wisely

Many MyChart portals include a Messages feature that allows secure communication with certain clinics. This is not a replacement for emergency care and may not be monitored continuously, but it can be useful for a range of non-urgent topics.

Common Uses for Secure Messaging

Patients often use messaging to:

• Ask simple clarification questions about:
  • Instructions from a recent visit
  • How to prepare for an upcoming test
• Request non-urgent administrative help, such as:
  • Updating contact information
  • Asking about a referral status
• Follow up on previously discussed matters when the clinic has encouraged portal use

📬 Good practices for messages:

• Keep messages focused on one main topic so they are easier to answer.
• Clearly reference the related appointment date or test if applicable.
• Avoid using messages for urgent or emergency issues. If you have serious or rapidly worsening symptoms, contacting emergency services or urgent care is generally the more appropriate path.

Notifications and Alerts

MyChart can send notifications via:

• Email
• Text (if enabled)
• In-app alerts

These may notify you about:

• New test results
• Responses to messages
• Upcoming appointment reminders
• Billing updates

You can often control how and when you receive notifications in the Settings or Profile section.

🔔 Tip:
Adjust notification preferences to match your comfort level. Many people choose email alerts for new results and appointment reminders, but may turn off less urgent notifications to reduce clutter.

Privacy, Security, and Sharing Access

Because MyChart contains sensitive health information, privacy and security are central features. Understanding the basics helps you feel more confident using the system.

Protecting Your Own Account

Some common security features include:

• Password protection
• Two-factor authentication options
• Automatic logout after a period of inactivity

You can support these measures by:

• Choosing a strong, unique password
• Not sharing your login credentials
• Logging out when using shared or public devices

Proxy and Caregiver Access

Many families rely on shared health management. MyChart systems often allow proxy access—one person (such as a parent, caregiver, or adult child) can view and manage another person’s information with appropriate consent and according to legal requirements.

Examples of proxy situations include:

• Parents managing accounts for young children
• Adult children helping manage care for older parents
• Designated caregivers assisting adults who need help with medical tasks

The steps for setting up proxy access can vary. Often, it involves:

1. Completing a request form or application.
2. Verifying identity for both parties.
3. Setting the level of access based on age and privacy regulations.

�� Consideration:
When granting proxy access, think carefully about who needs to see what and discuss expectations around privacy and communication in advance.

Practical Tips To Get the Most Out of MyChart

Below is a quick-reference list of practical, day-to-day ways to use Novant Health MyChart more effectively.

💡 Quick MyChart Tips for Patients

• ✅ Log in before appointments
  Use Appointments → eCheck-In (if available) to update information and reduce waiting room time.

• 🗓️ Use the portal as your appointment tracker
  Check the Appointments section rather than relying only on memory or paper reminder cards.

• 📄 Download visit summaries
  After each visit, open Past Visits, download the summary, and save it in a personal folder or binder.

• 🧪 Review test results with context
  Use Test Results to see what has been posted, but plan to discuss the meaning with a clinician, especially if something seems unclear.

• 🧾 Keep your medication list current
  Periodically compare the Medications list with what you actually take and bring up any differences at your next appointment.

• 📱 Customize notifications
  Adjust your Settings so you receive alerts that are genuinely helpful (such as appointment reminders and new result notifications).

• 🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Consider proxy access when needed
  If you support someone else’s health, ask about options to view their MyChart information legally and appropriately.

• 🔐 Protect your login
  Use a unique password, enable two-factor authentication if offered, and avoid saving your credentials on shared computers.

Troubleshooting Common MyChart Challenges

Even with a user-friendly interface, you might encounter occasional issues. Here are some of the challenges people run into and general approaches to address them.

1. Trouble Logging In

• Forgot your password or username?
  Look for “Forgot password” or “Forgot username” links on the login page and follow the prompts.
• Locked account?
  Too many failed login attempts can trigger a lock. In such cases, portals generally provide instructions to unlock the account or contact support.

2. Not Seeing Expected Appointments or Results

Sometimes records may not appear as expected due to:

• Appointments scheduled by phone but not yet updated in the portal
• Results still in processing and not yet released to the patient view
• Care from outside the Novant Health system that is not fully integrated

If information seems missing:

• Check again after some time to see if it has updated.
• Use the Messages feature (if available) or call the clinic to ask whether the information should appear in MyChart.

3. Confusion About Medical Terminology

Medical reports and test names can be full of technical terms. Options to handle this include:

• Writing down unfamiliar words to discuss at your next appointment
• Using the portal’s secure messaging to ask for clarification on non-urgent terminology
• Keeping a simple list of “questions for my doctor” based on what you see in your MyChart

How MyChart Fits Into Your Overall Healthcare Routine

Using Novant Health MyChart does not replace:

• In-person evaluations
• Emergency services
• Direct, real-time conversations with your clinicians

Instead, it can act as a supportive tool that:

• Pulls key details—appointments, results, summaries—into one place
• Helps you arrive at visits more prepared
• Reduces the need for repeated phone calls for basic information
• Makes it easier to share organized information with members of your care team

Many people find that once they are familiar with the portal, it becomes a regular part of their health routine—much like a banking app is part of managing finances.

Bringing It All Together

Managing health information has traditionally involved stacks of papers, multiple phone calls, and a good memory. The Novant Health MyChart portal is designed to place much of that information at your fingertips, in a secure and organized format.

By learning to:

• Schedule, confirm, reschedule, and cancel appointments through the Appointments section,
• Review test results and visit summaries in the Test Results and Visits tabs,
• Keep an eye on medications, allergies, and health history in the Health Summary,
• Use secure messaging for appropriate, non-urgent questions, and
• Adjust settings, privacy, and notifications to match your needs,

you can support a more organized, informed approach to your healthcare.

The portal is ultimately a tool. How you use it—checking upcoming visits, reviewing instructions after appointments, preparing questions for your clinician—can help you participate more actively in your care and make day-to-day health management a bit more manageable.