Managing your medical care online shouldn't feel like a second job. My UC Davis Health is the central digital hub for patients receiving care through the University of California, Davis medical system. Whether you're trying to view lab results after a routine checkup or message a specialist across town, this platform keeps your medical history in one secure place.
Built on the Epic software framework, the portal connects you directly with your doctors, hospital records, and billing details. If you're new to the system or struggling to find specific features like proxy access or appointment scheduling, here's how to navigate the platform without the usual headaches.
Setting Up Your My UC Davis Health Account
Before you can view records or send messages, you need an active account. You can sign up using an activation code from your clinic visit or by verifying your identity online.
If you received an activation code on your after-visit summary or via email, follow these steps:
- Go to the official UC Davis Health Patient Portal registration page.
- Enter your activation code, your date of birth, and your zip code.
- Choose a unique username and a secure password that you don't use elsewhere.
- Set up two-factor authentication using your mobile phone number or email address for account security.
Don't have an activation code? You can still sign up by choosing the self-signup option on the login screen. The system will ask for your legal name, date of birth, and contact information, then use a third-party identity verification service to match your records. If the automated check fails, you'll need to call your clinic or request a new code at your next appointment.
Core Features and Daily Use
Once you're logged in, the dashboard gives you a snapshot of your health profile. Knowing where to click saves time when you need answers quickly.
Communicating with Care Teams
You can send non-urgent messages directly to your clinic nurses or primary care provider. Don't use the portal for medical emergencies; if you're experiencing severe symptoms, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. Provider teams typically respond to portal messages within two business days. Keep your messages concise and include relevant details, such as how long symptoms have lasted.
Viewing Test Results
Lab work and imaging reports post to your account as soon as they're finalized. Sometimes results appear in your portal before your doctor has had a chance to call you. If you see technical medical terms you don't understand, don't panic. Write down your questions and bring them up during your next follow-up appointment, or send a quick message to your care team asking for clarification.
Managing Appointments
You can schedule routine primary care visits, view upcoming specialist appointments, and cancel or reschedule slots directly through the portal. If you need to see a new specialist within the UC Davis network, your primary care doctor will usually need to submit a referral first. Once the referral is approved, appointment options will appear in your scheduling queue.
Setting Up Proxy Access for Family Members
Managing healthcare for a child or an aging parent can get complicated. Proxy access lets you view and manage another person's health records through your own login.
For parents managing a child's care, access is generally straightforward. Children under 12 give parents full portal access. Once a child turns 12, privacy laws shift, and parental access becomes more restricted unless the teenager grants permission or a physician authorizes broader access due to special medical needs.
To set up proxy access for an adult family member, such as an elderly parent who needs help managing medications and appointments:
- Download and fill out the adult proxy access form available on the UC Davis Health website.
- Have the patient sign the form, or provide legal documentation proving power of attorney or guardianship if the patient cannot sign for themselves.
- Submit the form to your clinic or upload it through your portal account settings.
- Wait for clinic staff to verify the paperwork and grant access to your account dashboard.
Troubleshooting Common Login and Technical Issues
Technical glitches happen. If you're locked out of your account or can't see recent records, try these fixes before calling tech support:
- Password resets: Use the "Forgot Password" link on the login page. You'll need access to the email address or mobile phone tied to your account to receive a verification code.
- Missing records: If you don't see recent lab work or clinic notes, check whether you're looking at the right provider network. Records from outside the UC Davis system won't show up unless they were manually imported or shared through Care Everywhere.
- Browser issues: If pages won't load or buttons aren't responding, clear your browser cache, update your app, or try switching from mobile Safari or Chrome to a desktop browser.
If your account remains locked or you suspect a data discrepancy in your medical chart, contact the UC Davis Health MyChart support line directly for assistance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use My UC Davis Health if I travel out of state?
Yes. You can access your portal anywhere with an internet connection. If you experience a medical emergency while traveling away from California, go to the nearest emergency room rather than trying to message your UC Davis doctor, as local emergency teams won't have immediate access to your portal data.
How do I request a prescription refill through the portal?
Navigate to the medications section of your dashboard, select the medication you need refilled, and click request. Choose your preferred pharmacy from the dropdown list. Refill requests usually take 24 to 48 business hours to process.
Are my medical records secure in the portal?
The platform uses high-level encryption and complies with federal HIPAA privacy regulations. Never share your password with anyone, and always log out when using a shared or public computer.
Can I link my UC Davis health records to Apple Health?
Yes. You can connect your portal account to the Apple Health app on your iPhone to view lab results, immunizations, and clinical vitals in one place. Look for the health records integration option inside your portal account settings to set up the connection.
