Managing your medical care online shouldn't require sorting through a maze of phone trees and paper forms. The UC Davis MyChart platform (often referred to as MyUCDavisHealth) gives patients direct digital access to their clinical records, care teams, and upcoming appointments from a desktop browser or mobile device. Whether you're trying to view lab work, refill a prescription, or coordinate care for a family member, knowing how to set up and navigate the portal saves time and cuts through administrative friction.
Understanding how to use this tool effectively helps you take control of your health schedule. This guide breaks down the initial setup, primary features, common hurdles, and advanced management options available through the UC Davis patient portal.
Getting Started with UC Davis MyChart
Setting up your account requires an activation code provided during a clinic visit, listed on your after-visit summary, or generated online. If you don't have an activation code, you can request one online by verifying your identity or by calling the UC Davis Health MyChart support line at 916-703-HELP (916-703-4357).
Once you have your code, follow these steps to activate your profile:
- Navigate to the official MyUCDavisHealth login page.
- Click the Sign Up Now button located near the login prompts.
- Enter your activation code, your Medical Record Number (MRN) or Social Security number, and your date of birth.
- Create a unique username and a secure password that you don't use on other websites.
- Set up your notification preferences for email or text alerts when new test results or messages arrive.
Activation codes expire after 45 days or once used. If your code has expired, you can click the self-signup link on the login page to re-verify your identity via matching personal data or a text-based security code.
Core Features of the Patient Portal
Once you log in, the main dashboard provides shortcuts to your most critical health information. Rather than waiting for mailed letters or phone calls, you can handle routine administrative healthcare tasks on demand.
Viewing Lab and Test Results
Laboratory diagnostics, imaging reports, and pathology notes automatically flow into your account as soon as they're finalized. While some sensitive diagnostic results have a brief physician-review delay, standard bloodwork and routine tests appear promptly alongside your provider's notes and clinical explanations.
Messaging Your Care Team
The secure messaging center allows you to send non-urgent questions directly to your clinic or primary care provider. You can attach photos or relevant documentation if your physician requests it.
- Do not use MyChart messaging for medical emergencies. If you're experiencing acute symptoms like chest pain or severe shortness of breath, call 911 immediately.
- Typical provider response times range between one to two business days.
Managing Prescription Refills
You can view a comprehensive list of your current medications directly within the portal. When a refill is due, select the specific medication, choose your preferred pharmacy location from your saved list, and submit the request to your prescribing clinic.
Streamlining Visits with eCheck-In
Arriving early at a clinic to fill out clipboards of paper history forms is largely unnecessary if you utilize the eCheck-In feature. Up to three days before an in-person or video appointment, you can log into your account to complete pre-visit tasks:
- Update your current insurance coverage and upload card photos.
- Review and confirm your medication list and known allergies.
- Complete pre-visit clinical questionnaires.
- Electronically sign required consent forms and privacy notices.
Completing these items ahead of time shortens your lobby wait and lets clinic staff know you're ready when you arrive.
Managing Family Health with Proxy Access
Parents and adult children often need to coordinate care for dependents or aging relatives. UC Davis Health allows designated individuals to obtain proxy access to another person's chart, subject to specific regulatory boundaries.
- Children Ages 0 to 11: Parents and legal guardians receive full proxy access to manage appointments, messages, and medical histories for young children.
- Teens Ages 12 to 17: Under California state confidentiality laws, proxy access transitions to a limited "medium" status on a child's 12th birthday. This protects sensitive adolescent health privacy while still allowing parents to handle general scheduling and primary care needs. Proxy access automatically terminates the day before the patient turns 18.
- Adult Proxy Access: To manage records for an incapacitated adult or an aging parent, you must complete an Access to My Family's Records Consent form and submit it to the UC Davis Health Health Information Management Unit via mail, fax, or email.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if I forget my username or password?
Use the "Forgot Username?" or "Forgot Password?" links beneath the login boxes on the UC Davis Health MyChart portal. You will be prompted to enter basic identifying details—such as your email address and date of birth—to verify your identity and reset your credentials securely.
Can I link my UC Davis chart with accounts from other health systems?
Yes. The app allows you to connect multiple MyChart accounts from different hospital networks. Once linked, you can view appointments, medications, and test results from various healthcare organizations inside a single unified mobile interface.
Is my personal health information secure?
The platform utilizes robust encryption protocols, secure activation codes, and multi-factor authentication options to protect private medical records. Always keep your password confidential and avoid logging in from public, unencrypted Wi-Fi networks without a secure virtual private network.
Who should I contact for technical or billing support?
For technical support with password resets, app errors, or activation codes, call the MyChart support team at 916-703-HELP (916-703-4357). For questions regarding medical bills, insurance claims, or payment plans, contact Patient Billing Customer Service directly at 916-734-9200.
