MyChart Frequently Asked Questions
What is MyChart?
MyChart is an innovative online patient portal that lets you and your health care team conveniently and seamlessly access your medical records. Patients of Kootenai Health and Kootenai Clinic can use their MyChart app to stay in touch with your medical team in between visits, pay bills, view test results and see past medical history in one secure, convenient place!
With MyChart, you can:
- View your health summary, test results and summaries of your doctor visits
- Read your doctor’s notes from recent visits
- Get reminders about needed care, like physicals and shots
- Send messages to your health care team
- Schedule and cancel appointments
To get started, all you need is a desktop or laptop computer. MyChart also works with iPhones and Android smartphones. Just download the MyChart mobile app from Apple Store or Google Play.
Many health care organizations, like Kootenai Health and Kootenai Clinic, use this electronic medical record platform. Only medical records from MyChart-affiliated organizations (such as Kootenai Health and Kootenai Clinic) can be accessed through this platform. If you have a provider outside of Kootenai Health or Kootenai Clinic, you will need to ask them whether they use MyChart as their electronic medical records platform if you would like to access records from their organization.
Is there a fee to use MyChart?
MyChart is a free service for our patients.
How do I sign up?
If you are a patient of Kootenai Health or Kootenai Clinic, you will be given a MyChart activation code during your visit. Use this code to log in and create your own username and password. If you were not issued an activation code, you may call your Kootenai Clinic primary care provider to get one or visit mychart.kh.org to sign up without a code.
Who do I contact if I have further questions?
Call our MyChart Patient Support Line at (208) 625-3200.
Are all my test results available through MyChart?
Kootenai Health follows the 21st Century Cures Act. This law requires that your health, information (such as lab and radiology results) is posted to the online patient portal as soon as it is ready. This may include sensitive test results that need follow up.
Due to provider schedules, there may be times when you see lab or test results before your provider does. Someone from your provider’s office will be in touch with you (often within one business day) to discuss your results and answer your questions.
If some of my health information on MyChart is not correct, what should I do?
Your MyChart information comes straight from your electronic medical record at your provider’s office. This may be your Kootenai Health or Kootenai Clinic provider, or, a provider you saw at another organization that also uses MyChart. Your information (like allergies and medicines) will be reviewed at every clinic visit. Tell your health care team if there are any changes that need to be updated. If you want to correct something in your chart from a past visit, our Medical Records department can help you. Contact Medical Records at (208) 625-6222, or on the Kootenai Health website at https://www.kh.org/patient-and-visitor-information/medical-records/ and “Request an Amendment”.
Can the notes be changed if I disagree with the terminology, diagnosis, etc.?
We use standard medical terms to help other members of your care team know about your unique situation. This may include terms that may be hard for you to see (obesity, mental illness, etc.) or even trigger negative feelings. Please know that our providers must use the right technical and medical terms in their notes to make sure you get proper care. If you have any concerns about this, talk to your health.
If I send a message to my provider or nurse, when can I expect a reply?
Response times may vary based on your health care team’s schedule. You should expect a reply within one business day. Please note, MyChart should not be used for urgent problems. If you need help right away, please call medical provider. If it is an emergency, call 911.
Can I view a family member’s health record in MyChart?
If you would like access to someone else’s MyChart account, that person needs to okay that with their provider’s office. That can be done in person or by filling out the MyChart Proxy Access Release of Information form. If you are the parent of a minor child, or someone’s legal guardian, please contact the patient’s primary or specialty provider’s office to request access. Please Note: Not all health care organizations use MyChart. You will only be given access to MyChart information through Kootenai Health, Kootenai Clinic, or another health care organization who also uses MyChart. If you have a provider not affiliated with Kootenai Health or Kootenai Clinic, you will need to ask them whether they use MyChart.
Can I ask questions regarding a family member from my MyChart account?
No. MyChart is just for you. Using your own account to ask questions about someone else would cause that information to be placed in your health record. It would not appear in the correct health record and might jeopardize medical care.
Can my spouse and I share one MyChart account?
No. Each patient must have their own MyChart account. Patients cannot share an account.
I forgot my password. What should I do?
Call our MyChart Patient Support Line at (208) 625-3200 to request a new, secure password. You may also click the “Forgot Password” link on the MyChart sign-in page to reset your password online.
Where can I update my personal information (e.g., home address, e-mail or change my password)?
Log into MyChart and from the left menu, go to the “Preferences” section and select the appropriate option.
How is MyChart secured?
We take great care to keep your health information safe and private. The activation code you are given is just for you. You create your own private username and password. Only you can sign into your account with your private password. All MyChart messages to your provider happen while you are in your private account, so no one else will see them.
What is your Privacy Policy?
MyChart is owned and operated by MyChart. They follow federal and state laws about your privacy. Your name and e-mail address will be treated as private, and will never be sold or leased by MyChart.
I was logged out of MyChart, what happened?
To keep your information secure, MyChart, will log you out if your keyboard is not used for 15 minutes. We suggest that you log out of MyChart if you need to leave your computer for even a short while.
What do I need to use MyChart?
You need access to a computer connected to the Internet and an up-to-date browser (Chrome, Safari or Microsoft Edge). Or you can download the mobile app by searching “MyChart” in your mobile phone’s App Store.
My activation code does not work, what should I do?
For your security, your activation code expires after 30 days. The code will not work after the first time you use it. Visit mychart.kh.org or call the MyChart Patient Support Line (208) 625-3200 for help or to get a new code.