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Shared Notes in MyChart

When you come to Yale Health for an appointment, your provider makes a record of the visit in your electronic medical record. This is called a ‘visit note’ or ‘office note’. The note includes information that you shared during the visit as well as your provider’s thoughts about your diagnosis and treatment.

Now you can read these notes in your MyChart account.

Studies show that most patients remember less than half of what they discuss with their provider. To make sure you don’t miss important information, sharing notes gives you the opportunity to review the details of your visit at any time. Above all, sharing notes helps you make sure that you and your health care team are always on the same page.

Patients who read their notes:

  • Are able to recall their care plan better
  • Take better care of themselves
  • Do a better job at taking medications as prescribed
  • Feel more in control of their care
  • Understand their health and medical conditions better

Want to get the most out of reading your notes? Here are some suggestions:

  • Read the note after the visit to remind you what was discussed and the treatment plan, including changes in your medication, testing, appointments, or any referrals needed.
  • Review the note between visits to make sure you’re on track with recommended follow up.
  • Consider sharing your note with a trusted care giver or family member to help you carry out the plan.
  • Read the note before your next visit to help you prepare. Identify any new issues that have come up since your last visit.
Which notes can I see?

Yale Health patients can see notes from all of their visits at Yale Health except for Acute Care, Inpatient Care and Employee Health. Eventually, more practices and providers outside of Yale Health will start to share notes. Be aware that teenagers (patient’s age 13-17) will not be able to see their notes, due to complex teen privacy laws. Notes from visits before July 1, 2017 will not be available in MyChart.

When can I see a note from my visit?
You will be able to find your notes in MyChart when your provider completes it.
How do I find my notes?
In MyChart (in your web browser), click on the My Medical Record tab and select Visit Notes and Summaries Select your visit Click on “Notes” in the toolbar, you will only see notes for visits AFTER July 1, 2017
Can I see notes in the MyChart mobile phone app?

No, currently you can only see notes when using MyChart from a web browser.

What if I don't understand something written in the note?

Keep in mind that your provider uses the note to manage your care and to communicate with others involved in your care. It is not necessarily written in lay-person’s language. If you find the note difficult to understand because there are unfamiliar terms or abbreviations, this Medical Dictionary – Common Abbreviations may help. Medline Plus is a good resource to help you better understand your condition or medical terms.

I’m worried about privacy. Who else has access to this information?

Your medical information can only be viewed by people who are legitimately involved in your care. Clinicians and other staff operate under strict confidentiality rules. To maintain your privacy it is very important to keep your MyChart login and password information private. When you finish looking at MyChart, log out to avoid others looking at your medical information.

Is it possible for me to see my entire medical record?

All patients have a right to request their full medical record, including providers’ notes from the Yale Health Department of Health Information Management.

What if I see an error? How can I request a change to my note or record?

You can contact Yale Health Department of Health Information Management by email or by phone 203-432-0062.