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Preventive care

Navigating your online patient portal: Best practices

These platforms let you view your medical records, communicate with your doctors, and more. Here's how to use your portal to your advantage.

By , Executive Editor, Harvard Heart Letter
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Over-the-shoulder view of a woman reviewing her medical records on a laptop, with a cup of coffee and a glass of water nearby.

Most health care systems and doctors' offices now have online patient portals that make it easier than ever to communicate with your health care team. Rather than calling and waiting on hold to schedule an appointment or request a medication refill, you can do those tasks and others (such as paying your bill) online through a secure website portal.

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About the Author

photo of Julie Corliss

Julie Corliss, Executive Editor, Harvard Heart Letter

Julie Corliss has been the executive editor of the Harvard Heart Letter since 2013. She also writes for the Harvard Health Letter, Harvard Women’s Health Watch, and Harvard Men’s Health Watch, as well as for Harvard … See Full Bio
View all posts by Julie Corliss

About the Reviewer

photo of Catherine M. DesRoches, DrPH, MSc

Catherine M. DesRoches, DrPH, MSc, Contributor

Dr. Catherine M. DesRoches is an associate professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School who specializes in health policy and emerging trends in health care delivery. She is the principal investigator of the OpenNotes Lab, which … See Full Bio
View all posts by Catherine M. DesRoches, DrPH, MSc
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