That said, there are still ways to simplify this access, and some clinics and health care facilities may still use outdated sharing methods, which can be frustrating for patients. A 2023 study found that 4 out of 5 Canadians want access to their electronic health data, but only 2 out of 5 have actually ever done so. This is due to factors such as cost, disjointed records and confusing processes that can be difficult to initiate.

With so many different clinics, hospitals and specialists, many patients must contact each one individually to request their records, and even then, they may receive limited access to the information.

This article explains the need for streamlined solutions for patients who want to view their electronic health records. It will also explain the legal and provincial rights of Canadian patients and how these rights relate to obtaining health data. Lastly, it will show how patients can securely access their medical imaging and reports and import any additional health records into PocketHealth.

Why it’s essential to have all your medical records together

There are many reasons why having your personal health information available in one place is beneficial. Below is a brief discussion of how it can help patients.

Coordinating care across providers

One of the most common reasons for easy access to personal health information is when a patient has multiple providers across different facilities. Sharing or transferring your health record often requires an official signed request and a small fee.

If you already have access to your records in one location, the process becomes more streamlined, saving time, effort and money. The more providers you see, the more important this consolidation becomes.

Besides reducing the effort of getting records to your physicians, it is also helpful when multiple providers are kept up to date with your health information. This can reduce redundant testing and excessive appointments, lower the likelihood of errors and support coordination in your care.

Managing family health

Another benefit of having patient records in one place is that it’s easier for family caregivers or substitute decision-makers to stay informed. This includes parents of children with elevated health needs or adult children supporting elderly parents who require medical care.

Easy access to these records can greatly assist the caretaker in managing doctor appointments, prescriptions and other health-related activities. In many cases, to be authorized, the caregiver must receive express consent from their family member when requesting records.

Having this information in one place can reduce the hassle of obtaining consent multiple times. It can also shorten wait times for patient data, prevent unnecessary appointments to establish care with multiple providers, avoid redundant testing and reduce other such barriers.

Moving or travelling

When moving or travelling, keeping track of your health data can quickly become complicated. Sometimes you need to provide a signature to legally release medical information, but not every facility offers electronic signing. This means you may need to request access in person, which can be difficult if you’re no longer in the area.

Unified electronic health records are especially helpful if you need them while moving or away from home. Travellers who unexpectedly need care abroad also benefit, as they have their important health history at their fingertips, even when seeing new health professionals in unfamiliar settings.

Tracking changes in your personal health

The ability to view records online can be very beneficial for managing a chronic health condition or tracking changes in your health history. This is especially important when there are frequent additions to your record, such as with repeat medical imaging or recurring lab tests. Monitoring developing changes can give you a better sense of control and involvement in your own health.

How to access your medical records in Canada

Knowing in advance how to access your personal health information in Canada can make the process simpler in the future. The following sections will show you how to request your data, explain your patient rights and describe what you can expect to see in your electronic health records.

Your right to access personal health information

When it comes to personal health information, each province and territory has its own legislation that gives patients the legal right to access their records. For example, in Ontario, this law is the Personal Health Information Protection Act, also known as PHIPA. It establishes how patients can obtain their records and how to request corrections, if needed.

There are similar laws in other provinces and territories, but they work the same way: by providing legal protections for patient data under the health information custodians who maintain these sensitive records. Your medical provider can give you specifics on which laws they follow if you wish to learn more.

For private-sector health records, these provincial laws may also apply, along with the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA), a federal law that applies throughout Canada and sets rules for how private-sector health care organizations collect and disclose personal information.

Provincial portals and health organization systems

Currently, there is no fully functional electronic health record (EHR) system for all of Canada. Instead, patients often access their records at the provincial or medical organization level, such as through patient portals for specific hospitals or providers.

While these provincial and facility-specific portals are usually quite useful, there may be limitations on what data is available, as some records can be fragmented and require an official request to access.

Walk-in clinics and family doctors

Most walk-in clinics or family practitioners use systems accessible only to clinicians within that specific organization to maintain patient records. This means your records are often not shared with other health facilities unless specifically requested. Patient record systems may include third-party portals, in-house EMR systems or even traditional paper files and charts.

How easily patients can view these records depends on the tools and policies of individual clinics. Some may give patients access via patient portals, while others may require official requests to release such data and even charge a fee.

PocketHealth

Secure online health record platforms, such as PocketHealth, allow patients to access their medical imaging records and reports and to upload and import other health records to their account. These records can then be easily viewed and shared at the patient’s convenience.

What’s in a patient’s medical record?

Depending on the types of physicians and providers you see, your medical record may contain a variety of information. Overall, however, most patient health records include similar data, such as:

• Allergies
• Medical history
• Immunization records
• Test and lab results
• Current and past list of prescriptions and medications lists
• Patient demographics
• Radiology imaging and radiology reports
• Medical reports
• Clinical notes and appointment summaries
• Discharge summaries
• Orders and requisitions for referrals, lab and imaging tests, etc.
• Surgical histories

What’s the difference between an EMR and EHR?

EMRs (electronic medical records) refer to patient data created and stored in an isolated, independently maintained system accessible only to the health organization that created it. For example, walk-in clinics and family practitioners often use EMRs. Other physicians from outside facilities will not be able to see these records. Because each provider has their own EMR system, patients may have to request access to information from potentially several different EMRs from multiple providers.

EHRs (electronic health records), however, are designed to be widely shared and easily accessed by multiple providers and facilities. They are a compilation of the patient’s medical history, with records from various physicians and clinics the patient has seen in the past. EHRs differ from EMRs in that multiple facilities or practitioners can view the data without submitting a request.

An easier way to access your health records online in Canada

While patients’ access to medical records has improved, many health record portals still have gaps and shortcomings, such as fragmented or incomplete data. One solution is a tool like PocketHealth.

PocketHealth is an online platform where patients can securely view all their imaging records and reports in diagnostic quality. They can also upload and store other health records, keeping everything in one place under a single login.

From this platform, patients can easily share their records with any of their providers without the hassle of requesting formal access or paying transfer fees. They can also download and store their records for personal use at any time.

Additionally, PocketHealth’s built-in AI tools and personalized features help you better understand your reports, providing deeper insight into your own health. Some other strengths the platform offers include:

• Definitions for advanced medical terminology: Complex medical terms have simplified, easy-to-understand definitions.
• Recommended next steps: Follow-up recommendations are identified to help patients organize any next steps and ask personalized questions in an appointment with their providers.
• Family member record organization: Up to four additional family members’ records can also be accessed and stored in one location and under a single login.
• Enhanced understanding: Built-in tools highlight key anatomy in imaging reports to help patients better understand their results.

FAQs: Electronic medical records in Canada

Here are some common questions regarding online medical records for Canadians.

How do I get a copy of my medical records in Canada?

If you already have online portal permissions, you may be able to print or email your medical information to share with your care team. However, this depends on the system your provider uses and whether it allows patients to download their health information.

If not, you can contact your provider to request your records, either for yourself or to be sent to another facility. They typically have an official form for legal purposes and may charge a small fee. Once these requirements are met, there may be a short waiting period before the records are sent.

Can I get full access to my medical records?

In most cases, patients are legally entitled to full access if they make a formal request to their health provider, who acts as a custodian of their personal health information. In rare cases, complete access may be denied if:

• A different law prohibits the custodian from disclosing your health records
• The information is protected by client-solicitor privilege
• The health information could cause serious harm to the patient or another person
• The information is part of an ongoing investigation, inspection or could compromise a legal matter

Specifics of these exceptions may vary depending on the privacy laws your provider follows. Generally, the health information custodian must inform you of the reason for denial. If you believe the denial is unwarranted, you can file a complaint with the legal authority in your area.

Can walk-in clinics see your medical history?

Most walk-in clinics use their own separate, privately maintained EMR system, which means they typically do not have access to your full medical history from other providers. Sometimes, however, these clinics are part of a larger health system, which can give them wider access to your electronic health record.

How can I get my medical records online for free in Canada?

Getting your records for free depends on the health portal and clinic you use. Many offer portal access at no additional charge, but it will be limited to the information they have on file, and there may still be a small fee if you want them to send your data to another clinic.

If you’re looking for free access to download your medical images and reports, check out PocketHealth’s basic plan.

The post How to view my medical records online in Canada: A patient’s guide appeared first on PocketHealth.

However, the process of accessing medical records is often disjointed and confusing. As a result, only 2 in 5 Canadians have accessed their health information electronically.

Understanding the difference between electronic medical records (EMRs) and electronic health records (EHRs) can help you better navigate where your records are stored and who has access to them, allowing you to take a more active role in your care.

The consolidation of your medical records across different health systems makes it easier for health care providers to track your care, coordinate treatments and ensure that your clinical data is complete and up to date. These differences will be explained in more detail below, helping you to better understand your own patient records.

The difference between electronic health records (EHR) and electronic medical records (EMR)

Chances are, you’ve visited more than one doctor, clinic or hospital in your lifetime. You might be surprised to learn that in Canada, a patient’s medical history isn’t stored in a single, unified system. Different providers often use different electronic medical record systems to track your care, also known as EMR systems.

These digital records are essential for how health care professionals store, access and share your medical information. While the terms EMR and EHR are often used interchangeably, that one-word difference has a significant impact.

What is an EMR?

EMR stands for electronic medical record, which is a digitized version of a patient’s chart from a single medical facility or clinic.

The advantage of an EMR is that it replaces the traditional paper chart, making it easier for clinicians to track medical changes over time and identify patients who may need preventive screenings or follow-ups.

The disadvantage of an EMR is that data doesn’t easily flow outside the health care organization. For example, your family doctor or a walk-in clinic might use their own EMR system. If you visit another medical practice, clinic or hospital, those clinicians won’t be able to see your EMR. This means you have separate electronic records stored in different systems for each health care provider you visit.

What is an EHR?

Electronic health records, or EHRs, are digital records of patient data that can be shared among authorized care providers. They bring together all your health information from doctors’ offices, clinics, hospitals, specialists, lab providers and more, into one unified record.

Unlike EMRs, which stay within a single health care provider’s system, EHRs can be accessed by multiple providers. This makes it easier for your care team to view your complete medical history without needing to request records from other health care offices, enabling better and more coordinated care.

EMR vs EHR in Canada: Key differences

The table below shows the main differences between EMRs and EHRs, so you can understand how your health information is stored and shared.`

It’s important to recognize that provincial health systems in Canada continue to evolve and improve. Certain provinces have more connected health information technology, making it easier for different doctors and clinics to share your health information across different systems, while others may be more limited. As health care is managed at the provincial level, access to your records and how easily they’re shared online can vary depending on where you live.

Who manages and updates your EMR and EHR in Canada?

Who owns and maintains your EMR?

EMRs are typically created and stored in your doctor’s office, clinic or hospital’s internal system. These care facilities serve as the custodians of your personal health information. Technically, they own the record itself, as they control the hardware, software, and storage systems used to manage and safeguard this data.

Although the health care facility that initially creates the record is the official custodian of that health information, you, the patient, have important rights under privacy legislation, such as the Personal Health Information Protection Act (PHIPA) in Ontario (other provinces have their own similar legislation). This means you have the right to access your health information, request corrections to inaccurate or incomplete data and expect that your information is stored, used and shared in accordance with strict privacy and security standards.

While you can request copies of information in your EMR (usually for a fee), online access may be available only to patients if your clinic provides a patient portal.

Who owns and maintains your EHR?

In Canada, EHRs are maintained at the provincial or territorial level. For example, when you receive care from a health care provider—such as a hospital or clinic in Ontario—your information is updated in the provider’s EMR system. Certain key data, like lab results or diagnostic imaging reports, are then securely transmitted to provincial data repositories. Through system integrations, other authorized health care providers can then access this information when using supported provincial clinical viewers.

EHRs only aggregate patient health data and are not responsible for updating or correcting this information. Instead, that responsibility lies with the health care facility that initially created the record.

The patient still has important rights under their provincial privacy legislation (e.g., PHIPA in Ontario), as mentioned above, such as viewing records, requesting corrections and relying on data protection via strict privacy standards.

An easier way to get your medical records

Knowing where your health information is stored and having access to it provides you with deeper insight into your results, helping you make informed decisions about your care. Missing or incorrect records can sometimes lead to repeated tests or delays in treatment, which is why it is important to know your rights when requesting and accessing your health information. With the availability of digital tools and platforms, this access is easier than ever before, allowing you to play a more active role in managing your health.

PocketHealth is a secure, patient-centred care platform that lets you access, share and understand your medical imaging records. You’re also able to upload and store health records commonly found in an EHR, like immunizations, prescriptions and lab results, so all your records are consolidated in one place. With greater control of your records and the ability to connect that information across different health care systems, you get a more holistic picture of your health.

PocketHealth also includes AI-enabled educational tools and personalized insights to help you better understand your medical imaging reports. Key benefits of the platform include:

• Clear, easy-to-understand results: PocketHealth provides clear definitions and illustrations for complex medical terms—plus an in-depth explanation of your full imaging report.
• Recommended next steps: Follow-up suggestions help you plan what to do next and feel more confident about the questions to bring to your healthcare provider.
• Family record management: You can access and store records for up to four family members in one place using a single login.

Frequently asked questions

Here are some common questions regarding EHRs and EMRs for Canadian patients.

What is the difference between EMR and EHR in Canada?

An electronic medical record (EMR) is a digitized version of your records from a single medical facility or clinic. Your medical information is accessed and managed by a single health care provider and is not typically shared with other medical facilities unless specifically requested.

An electronic health record (EHR) is also a digitized version of your health record, but it is compiled from multiple sources and often stored with the intent of being shared among doctors, clinics and hospitals. This allows your health information from various health care providers to be consolidated into one, unified record.

In both cases, the health care provider who originally created the health record acts as a custodian, but you, as the patient, have the right to access and request updates to your personal health information.

What kind of information is included in an EMR?

Electronic medical records (EMRs) are an electronic version of your patient chart that tracks your health information within a single health care provider or clinic. They help your provider manage your care and keep all your records organized electronically without using paper records. EMRs can include the following information:

• Clinical notes from interactions with your provider
• Diagnoses and medical conditions
• Prescriptions and medication history
• Test results, from labs or medical imaging
• Immunization records

What kind of information is included in an EHR?

Electronic health records (EHRs) consolidate your health information from multiple health care organizations, such as clinics, hospitals and specialists. They provide your care teams with a comprehensive overview of your health, enabling safer, more coordinated patient care. EHRs can include the following information:

• Your full medical history
• Lab results and imaging reports
• Prescriptions and medication history
• Allergies and immunizations
• Records from all doctors and health care teams you have seen

Who owns and updates your EMR in Canada?

Your doctor’s office, clinic or hospital creates and stores the information contained in your EMR, so they technically own the record. Your health care providers are expected to keep this information up to date during your medical visits and with any test results, referrals, etc.

Under provincial privacy legislation, patients have the right to access their personal health information, request updates and ensure its protection. Digital access to these records is only possible if your clinic offers a patient portal. Otherwise, copies of certain information can be provided (usually for a fee), unless requested for specific purposes, such as changing care providers.

Who owns and updates your EHR in Canada?

In Canada, personal health records are managed at the provincial level. Each province has its own laws governing how this information is collected, stored and shared. While patients have the right to access the information contained in their EHR, not all provinces offer patients electronic access to the EHR systems. Either way, you have a right to view your records and request corrections, if necessary.

Electronic health records only gather patient health information and do not update or correct it. The responsibility for maintaining accurate records stays with the health care facility that created them.

Patients continue to have important rights under provincial privacy laws, such as viewing their records, requesting corrections and relying on data protection via strict privacy standards.

The post EMR vs EHR: What’s the difference and why it matters for Canadian patients appeared first on PocketHealth.

Another important part of travel preparation is electronic health record (EHR) access. Whether you have a clean bill of health, you’re managing a chronic illness or you’re recovering from an injury, it’s important to be able to access your health records in the event of an unforeseen medical event.

Streamlined access to your EHR can give you a major advantage while travelling. You can quickly share your important health information, even with a new provider in a clinic or hospital you’ve never been to before. This reduces the stress of needing unexpected care, as you can easily provide your past and current health history, keeping your new care team up to date with your needs.

This article highlights the importance of EHR access for Canadian travellers, explaining how they can view their records online and how tools like PocketHealth enable them to easily access and organize their medical imaging records, as well as upload other health records from a single secure platform.

Why accessing your electronic health records matters when travelling abroad

Being prepared with access to your EHR can help offset some of the stress that comes with travelling. If health emergencies, medication changes or follow-up care are needed with a new provider, patients are better prepared to handle these situations with their records at their fingertips.

Having your health data available is beneficial in several ways. According to the Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI), patients with access to their EHRs are 34% more likely to avoid emergency department visits and 45% less likely to need in-person health visits.

When you’re travelling, your EHR is especially important. It provides peace of mind and helps you prepare for unexpected needs if you suddenly require care. This could be something as serious as an emergency room visit or as routine as needing a prescription refill while away from home. Whatever the situation, you’ll have the information you need.

Here are some specific ways patient access to health data can prepare travellers:

• Provides medication history: New providers can see your past and current medications, so they can consider any potential drug interactions for your future care.
• Shows previous lab results: Previous lab results, such as blood, stool and urine tests, can help practitioners gain better insight into your current health situation.
• Reduces repeat appointments: It’s easy for the new provider to view recent tests and appointments, keeping them up to date and avoiding unnecessary repeat appointments.
• Reduces medical errors: When a new practitioner is fully up to date with your health history, it can help reduce medical errors and conflicts in your care.
• Streamlines family member care: For caretakers travelling with high-needs children or elderly parents, being able to access their medical records makes it easier to coordinate and advocate for their care.

How to access your Canadian electronic health records online

Legally, Canadian patients have the right to obtain their health information from medical providers. Before you prepare to travel, it can be helpful to understand how access to this patient data works in Canada. The following sections provide a general overview of how your personal health information is stored and maintained.

What are electronic health records (EHRs)?

EHRs are digital versions of your patient data and medical history that can be securely accessed by multiple health care providers and systems. They are designed to be easily shared across facilities and practitioners and serve as a unified, comprehensive version of your medical records.

Electronic medical records, or EMRs, are often confused with EHRs. While both consist of digitized health data, EMRs are not meant to be widely accessible. They are usually created and managed by a single medical organization, like a hospital or clinic, and shared only upon request as needed, for example, when a physician issues a referral to a specialist. EMRs are often fragmented and incomplete.

Because EHRs are generally more comprehensive than EMRs, they tend to be more useful for both patients and health authorities, providing a more complete picture. Typical information included in an EHR may include medication lists and prescriptions, imaging and treatment histories, test results, diagnoses and even previous immunizations, which is particularly useful when travelling abroad.

Steps to access your records before travelling

If you know in advance that you’ll be travelling, you can take the opportunity to access your records before you leave. This allows plenty of time to navigate challenges and contact your health records custodian if needed. Overall, the general steps to obtain your records are similar, regardless of which EHR system your provider uses. Here are some general steps to follow:

1. Check if your provider offers online patient access. Depending on your health care provider, certain information contained in your EHR may be accessible through an online patient portal.
2. Make sure you have access to your patient portal. This may mean requesting user permissions or log-in credentials from your provider. It’s important to remember that many patient portals have gaps in the available data, meaning not all of your health history will always be accessible from one portal, and some information may be missing. You may need to obtain additional information from other providers or make specific requests for missing data.
3. Confirm and review what data is available from your account. This lets you see if it has all the information you need. You may need to do this with multiple sources.
4. Download and/or print important documents. You likely won’t need your entire health history, but if you have chronic conditions, medications or recent procedures, these documents may be useful to have readily on hand.
5. Ensure you have access while abroad. Knowing what technology you’ll be using during travel can help you prepare ahead of time. For example, if you have a laptop or tablet you plan to travel with, you may be able to save your information to that specific device before you leave.

Can you view your records while outside Canada?

Most of the time, Canadians can view their records while travelling as long as they have internet access and the proper authentication for logging into their patient portal. Some users may encounter access limitations, so it is helpful to prepare for this in advance.

One common example is two-factor authentication using texts sent to your Canadian cell phone. If your cell carrier doesn’t support SMS in that region, or if there are other reasons you can’t receive texts on your phone, then you will be unable to log in. Consider setting up login preferences to send the authentication to your email or a similar alternative instead.

Another step to consider is making backups of your electronic health information and using different formats. For example, you can have paper copies or store your records on a USB or other device, in addition to maintaining electronic access. This gives you multiple ways to share information with health authorities while travelling.

If you have the option to use a single platform for all your health records, this is ideal. It requires only one login and keeps all your essential data in one location, reducing the stress of navigating multiple portals, especially in the event of an emergency.

Now that you know tips for accessing your medical records, it can also be useful to focus on health preparations for international travel, such as:

• Keeping records of any immunizations or vaccines
• Maintaining records of any chronic health issues or conditions that may require accommodation
• Keeping a list of allergies to foods, medications, etc.
• Having your health card information and emergency contacts on hand in case of an emergency
• Maintaining a comprehensive list of prescribed medications

How PocketHealth helps Canadians access and manage health records

PocketHealth makes it simple to keep your essential health information organized in one place. All of your medical imaging and reports are permanently stored, securely accessible online and easily shareable with providers abroad. You can also upload other records, such as lab results and immunizations, providing a single, reliable source of truth about your health.

Pockethealth bridges the gap between scattered patient portals and disjointed EHR systems, so you have all your essential health information at your fingertips, wherever you are. It’s one small step that can make a big difference when travelling—helping you feel prepared, confident and ready for whatever adventure comes next.

Frequently asked questions

Here are some frequently asked questions regarding accessing personal health information from Canada.

What is the most common EHR?

Most EHR systems used by hospitals and other care facilities are only accessible to medical providers, not patients. However, some of these systems have patient-facing portals that allow patients to access certain records, although they may sometimes be missing data, such as medical images.

That said, even widely used EHR systems and patient portals can be fragmented or incomplete, especially if the patient was seen at facilities outside of their region or province. Patients travelling abroad may want to ensure they have a complete record from all applicable systems before departing.

Can you see your medical records online in Canada?

In many cases, yes, you can access your online health information both in and outside of Canada, as long as your provider has granted you permission. Most providers offer some kind of patient portal that allows patients to view their medical history and health data.

Many clinics and facilities automatically grant access once you have authorization and sign-in permissions. However, some clinics may require you to request access first. If you know you will be travelling, consider checking what permissions you currently have for your medical records.

If you have family members travelling with you for whom you are responsible, it is also important to review their record permissions. If they are legally obligated to provide authorization for you to view their health information, such as with elderly parents, this should be arranged in advance to avoid delays in obtaining their records. This permission often requires official written consent, which may take time to be processed by their health information custodian, so it is important to begin the preparations sooner rather than later.

What is included in electronic health records?

The specific health data included in your EHR will vary depending on factors such as the types of providers you have seen and the health information systems they use. Overall, most EHRs tend to include information such as:

• Allergies
• Medical history
• Immunization records
• Test and lab results
• Current and past list of prescriptions and medications
• Patient demographics
• Radiology imaging and radiology reports
• Medical reports
• Clinical notes and appointment summaries
• Discharge summaries
• Orders and requisitions for referrals, lab and imaging tests, etc.
• Surgical histories

The post Upcoming cross-border travel? How to access your Canadian electronic health records abroad appeared first on PocketHealth.

A 2023 study discovered that 4 out of 5 Canadians felt more empowered to manage their own health after accessing their electronic medical records. However, an international survey, also conducted in 2023, indicated that only 35% of Canadians reported accessing their online records within the last 2 years, compared to the average of 45% reported by other participating countries.

This article offers a step-by-step guide to viewing health information online in Ontario. It covers provincial portals, healthcare systems and tools like PocketHealth, which lets individuals securely access, store and share imaging reports in one place and import other health records into the platform.

Why it’s important to have all your personal health information together

Having your personal health history in one place offers many benefits, such as:

Coordinating care across providers

If you have more than one provider, having an easy way to share your personal health information with your care team is extremely helpful. It also keeps everyone up to date on your medical history and current health situation. Coordinating care across providers can mean:

• Fewer errors: With multiple providers reviewing your records, more eyes are on your chart, which can help prevent mistakes and ensure important information isn’t missed.
• Fewer appointments: When a new healthcare provider can quickly review your history, they can get up to speed more quickly, reducing the need for repetitive visits or tests.
• You can share your health data: If a provider needs information from another facility, you can share it yourself without making a written request or contacting another clinic.

Managing family health

When patient records are all in one place, it’s easier for family caregivers or substitute decision makers to stay informed. This includes parents of children with elevated health needs or adult children supporting elderly parents who require medical care.

Privacy laws require caregivers to obtain the patient’s consent before accessing their personal health information. This means completing a request form, obtaining the patient’s signature and disclosure permissions and sometimes paying a small fee, if applicable.

If a patient has multiple providers with separate charts, this process may need to be repeated for each one. When records are consolidated, however, the caretaker only needs to do it once, saving time and money. It also makes it easier to share this data with other members of the health team, to speak on the patient’s behalf and to track their needs more effectively.

Moving or travelling

Having all your important medical records available online in one place is very helpful when you’re moving or travelling. Sharing this data with new providers becomes simple and immediate, instead of stressful and delayed. You don’t have to wait for your previous provider to send records. Everything is right at your fingertips.

Tracking changes in your health

Another key benefit of online personal health information is the ability to easily track changes to your health. This is important for patients managing chronic conditions or monitoring recurring results. Examples include yearly mammograms, prenatal ultrasounds and repeat blood tests that may change over time. Easily viewing past and current records helps you stay informed and involved in your own care.

Can you access your own medical records in Ontario?

While all Canadians, regardless of province or territory, have a legal right to access their own personal health information, this article focuses on Ontarians and the legal framework that protects their right to view their health data.

While other provinces have their own laws governing access to health information, Ontario follows the Personal Health Information Protection Act (PHIPA). It sets out how health information custodians must safeguard sensitive patient information and details patients’ rights to access it.

Though patients have rights to their records, this doesn’t mean all records are automatically in one place for them to access. Online access can vary depending on the facility and the portals they use. Health data may also be fragmented, meaning patients can see information from one provider but not their entire health history in a single portal.

Online systems are improving, but practices differ between care teams. You may need to complete a request form and pay a small fee to obtain records. If you see multiple providers, this process may need to be repeated for each one.

How to view your medical records online in Ontario

Here is an overview of how to view your medical records online if you live in Ontario.

Through provincial or regional portals

While Ontario does have a single, unified electronic health record system for the entire province, it is only accessible to authorized healthcare providers—not patients. While there are some regional portals that patients can access, they only serve specific areas and contain records from providers who also use the same portal.

Through hospital or provider systems

Hospital or provider-based record systems can be a convenient way for patients to obtain their information from the facility’s website. The level of detail and availability, however, depends on the system and how many providers use it.

The larger the network of providers using the same health record system, the more likely patients are to have access to a broader view of their medical records and history. Smaller, independent clinics and health centers often use siloed systems, which can limit what information patients can see in one place.

PocketHealth

Secure online health record platforms, such as PocketHealth, allow patients to access their medical imaging records and reports and to upload and import other health records to their account. These records can then be easily viewed and shared at the patient’s convenience.

What’s in a patient’s medical record?

What appears in your medical records depends on the system used to create and maintain them and the range of providers you see. Some types of data may be limited. For example, a radiologist’s report for an MRI might be viewable, but the image itself may require an official request.

If you think something is missing or you want to view something not shown, discuss your concerns with the information custodian, which is the official term used for medical providers responsible for keeping your health information private and secure. They may be able to help you search for the missing data.

Overall, most online records include similar types of patient data. The following information gives some examples:

• Allergies
• Medical history and treatment information
• Immunization records and documentation
• Test and lab results
• Current and past prescriptions and medication lists
• Patient demographics
• Radiology imaging and reports
• Medical reports
• Prenatal and birth records
• Clinical notes and discharge summaries from appointments
• Orders and requisitions for referrals, lab and imaging tests, etc.

What’s the difference between an EMR and EHR?

Electronic medical records (EMRs) are digital versions of a patient’s health data created and maintained by a single clinic or facility. These records are accessible only to the entity that created them, and other providers cannot view them unless they are specifically shared. This usually requires a patient to request it or the EMR creator to initiate the process, such as when referring a patient to a specialist.

Electronic health records (EHRs), on the other hand, are designed to be accessible by multiple health professionals across different facilities. They bring all your health information together in one place, making it easier to share.

What to expect when accessing your records online

When viewing your records online, the layout and formatting of the site will vary depending on the EMR or EHR system and whether they have a patient portal. Examples of information include test results, radiology reports and appointment notes. You may even see your personal demographics, such as your contact information or health card number.

Some records may not be immediately available, as providers must upload them first. Delays are common, especially for lab results or other data that must be processed. In some systems, results must be reviewed by a physician before they can be accessed, though in others, patients may access these results before seeing their doctor, depending on the portal.

Patients usually need secure logins, verifications and permissions to view records online, which are typically provided by the physician’s office. Often this is set up automatically, but some clinics may require patients to request access first before they can sign in on their device.

An easier way to get your medical records

While online access to records is becoming more widespread, patients still face many challenges. These include requesting multiple permissions, paying possible fees and dealing with fragmented or incomplete records.

Tools like PocketHealth can help. PocketHealth is a secure, patient-friendly platform that makes managing and accessing medical imaging records and uploading other health records easy. Patients can also import other medical histories into their account, giving them complete and portable health records in one place that can be shared with any provider at their convenience.

Besides giving patients control of their own records, PocketHealth offers intuitive features and AI tools to help them understand complex medical terminology in their reports, detect follow-up recommendations and next steps and even identify key organs and bones in their imaging scans.

These features help patients become more involved in their health, empowering them to take charge of their healthcare journey and control how and when they share their records with their care team.

View my medical records online in Ontario: FAQs

Here are some commonly asked questions about online health records in Ontario.

Can you access your own medical records in Ontario?

Often, yes. You may already have online access through your physician’s patient portal, in which case you can request details on how to access your account. If your provider does not offer this feature, you can make a formal request for your records.

How do I get a copy of my medical records in Ontario?

Legally, patients have the right to obtain a copy of their medical information, except in rare cases. There may be small variations in the process, but usually the steps to request a copy are similar:

• Initiate a request from your provider’s office: This could be submitted to the front desk, medical records department or another health information custodian. They should provide an official request form to complete before they release this data. This may be via paper copy or an electronic form.
• Specify what records you want: The request will often ask which records you want. If you want your entire chart, it may take longer to receive a copy compared with a simpler item, such as a recent blood test result.
• Provide proof of identity or authorization: You’ll likely need government-issued photo identification to verify your identity. If you are requesting records on behalf of someone else, such as a family member, you may also need to provide the patient’s official consent.
• Possibly pay a fee: Depending on how much health data you want and the policies of your provider’s office, it is common to pay a small fee.
• Wait for your response: In most cases, Ontario medical facilities have 30 to 60 days to respond to your request after receiving your completed forms and payments. Records may be provided in paper, CD, USB or secure electronic formats, depending on the facility. You may be able to request your preferred format in advance, such as having it sent by mail or via secure email.

Can walk-in clinics in Ontario see my medical history?

Most walk-in clinics use their own separate, privately maintained electronic medical record (EMR) system, which means they typically do not have access to your full medical history from other providers. Sometimes, however, these clinics are part of a larger health system, which can give them wider access to your electronic health record.

How can I get my medical records online for free in Ontario?

Many clinics and hospitals provide access to patient portals at no extra charge. However, there may be exceptions depending on the facility’s policies and whether they routinely include this access as part of care. Otherwise, you may need to make an official request for your records and pay a small fee.

If you’re looking for free access to download your medical images and reports, check out PocketHealth’s basic plan.

The post How to view my medical records online in Ontario: A patient’s guide appeared first on PocketHealth.

EHRs provide patients with a complete snapshot of their health, make it easy to share records with other health care providers and consolidate all the information in an easy-to-access manner.

This article explains how electronic health information works in Canada, its benefits, and the legal requirements surrounding patient access. It will also share how patients can securely access their medical imaging records and upload other health records using PocketHealth.

What is an electronic health record (EHR)?

An electronic health record is a digitized version of a patient’s health information, such as hospital records, compiled from multiple health care providers. One of the most valuable aspects of an EHR is that it allows medical history to follow patients regardless of which provider or facility they visit, providing a standardized, unified, and comprehensive health record.

Until fairly recently, most medical facilities kept hard copies of patient data, including paper-based files and other physical media. With the advancement of online health care systems, electronic health records are becoming increasingly accessible to patients.

What does an electronic health record look like?

The presentation of your health information in your EHR may depend on certain factors, such as whether it adheres to a provincial standard. Overall, most EHRs include the following information:

• Allergies
• Clinical notes and summaries from appointments
• Current and past list of medical prescriptions
• Immunization records
• Lab test results
• Medical history
• Medical reports
• Orders and requisitions for referrals, lab and imaging tests, etc.
• Patient demographics
• Radiology imaging and reports

What is the difference between an EMR and an EHR in Canada?

EMR stands for Electronic Medical Record, which is a digitized version of a patient’s records from a single medical facility or clinic. This electronic chart is managed by one health care organization, so every provider the patient sees would have their own separate EMR for that patient.

Because EMRs tend to be created and accessed by a single medical facility, patient records are not automatically shared with other physicians or health entities unless specifically requested.

An example is a family doctor who owns their own practice and is not part of a larger medical or hospital network. They often don’t exchange information with other clinics or specialists unless the patient requests it or they issue a referral to another provider.

EHRs are very similar in that they consist of the same electronic health information; however, it is often stored with the intent of being accessible by multiple practitioners and facilities.

Benefits of having access to your EHR

There are several reasons why patients benefit from accessing their EHR, including:

Better communication and coordination with other providers

For patients with multiple providers on their care team, access to an EHR system can help streamline communication. One provider can easily coordinate with another regarding patient care, providing both with a clear understanding of what labs and tests were performed, what imaging was recommended and what instructions have been given, among other care details.

This type of coordination results in less repetition, fewer needlessly repeated tests and exams, as well as a better overall understanding of what steps other providers have already taken in treating the patient.

Real-time data sharing

Because there is no need to wait for patient records to be shared or transferred, medical providers can immediately access the patient’s health data. This means faster decision-making, reduced delays in treatments or testing and the ability for patients to ask about previous results in real-time, such as during an appointment.

Data sharing also enables patients to avoid the hassle and expense of requesting that various clinics share their health records, saving time and effort.

Patients improve their understanding of their own health

While some medical facilities provide access to their patients through a patient portal, an EHR system offers a more comprehensive way for patients to view their own consolidated records from multiple facilities, all in one place. When such data is easily accessible, it can potentially improve patient understanding of their own health. Examples of how patient access can lead to better understanding include:

• Showing medication history, such as start and stop dates of prescriptions
• Organizing treatment instructions and recommendations
• Helping patients track progressions of various health conditions
• Allowing patients to study their test and imaging results to better form follow-up questions to ask their doctor
• Enabling patients to keep track of immunization records and vaccination histories

Reduces medical errors

Another benefit of EHRs is that they can reduce medical errors. When multiple providers can easily access patient records, it means more eyes on things like requested medical imaging, test results and recommendations, prescribed medications and other vital care information.

With more health care team members keeping track of patient data, errors are more likely to be caught or prevented. Additionally, patients can help identify errors in their own records, which they can bring to the attention of their providers.

Streamlines urgent care and emergency medicine

If a patient needs to visit the emergency room or an urgent care clinic, it’s important for providers to be able to access their medical history quickly. Having this information readily available can save time when diagnosing and treating the patient. It also informs the medical provider about any pertinent health conditions they should consider during treatment.

Other benefits of EHRs

Besides the benefits already listed, there are many reasons why EHR access can improve health care for patients. Additional examples include:

• Reduces unnecessary medical visits: Knowing a patient’s health history enables providers to deliver faster and more streamlined care.
• Allows patients to make informed decisions: By studying their own records and chart notes, patients are often better positioned to make informed medical decisions.
• Improves continuity of care: When a patient changes family doctors or starts seeing a specialist, the physician gains valuable background information on their new patient, facilitating a more seamless transition of care.
• Helps keep records secure: Digital records protected by cybersecurity best practices tend to be more secure and private than hard copies and paper charts, which can be easily misplaced or destroyed.

How Canadians can access their EHR

There are many different types of EHR systems, such as health care portals, private platforms and hospital databases. The following sections will address the most common ways Canadians can access their electronic health records.

Access at a national level

If you want to access medical records from private health care providers, it’s important to be aware of PIPEDA, the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act. This federal law protects the privacy and personal information of Canadian citizens in several situations, including health information handled by private organizations.

PIPEDA applies to federally regulated industries, such as banking and telecommunications, as well as private health care providers in provinces and territories that do not already have similar privacy legislation.

There are several requirements and exceptions under PIPEDA and other provincial privacy laws. For more details, refer to the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada.

What does this mean for accessing your health records? Your health provider is legally required to give patients, like you, their records in a timely manner, at minimal or reasonable cost. You can usually request access to your records directly from your family doctor’s office.

Due to privacy protection requirements, there will likely be specific steps to follow, such as submitting a formal request or giving express consent to release your records, either to yourself or to another provider.

Access at a provincial level

Most provinces have their own laws regarding the safeguarding of sensitive health information and patient data, such as Ontario’s Personal Health Information Protection Act (PHIPA). Quebec, British Columbia and Alberta each have their own privacy legislation as well. In these provinces, provincial privacy laws govern the handling of personal health information.

Overall, patient information is well protected no matter where you live. Most clinics and health care facilities can give you documents that explain which privacy laws they follow and how they keep your data safe.

Access via health care portals

Health care portals are a common way for patients to access their medical records. Many hospitals and health facilities have their own EMR systems, where they store vital information such as test results, appointment notes and even scheduling and billing details. Often, patients are able to create accounts to log in online and view those records.

These systems can be an invaluable tool for patients wanting to keep up with their health records; however, they can have limitations, including:

• Poor compatibility: Some health portals may have limited compatibility with other EMR systems, such as those used in different clinics or hospitals. This can make sharing records more difficult.
• Limitations on record sharing: If a patient wants to share their health record with a different medical facility, they will likely need to formally request the transfer, which may include a fee and signed documentation.
• Fragmented access: Health care portals often provide patients with access to only specific records or parts of their chart. Accessing other records may require an official request, which can be time-consuming.
• Possible data limitations: Some health portals only provide specific types of data. For example, a radiologist’s report for an X-ray may be viewable, but the actual image itself may not be available without an official request.

Access via PocketHealth

With numerous gaps and limitations in reliable access to patient records, particularly across Canadian cities and provinces, PocketHealth enables patients to easily track their medical imaging results and upload other health records. All their images and reports are permanently available in one secure location and can be accessed online—anytime, anywhere. Reports can also be easily shared with other members of their care team, if needed.

Besides making health record access easy, PocketHealth offers patients several additional benefits, including:

• Faster access to imaging results: Patients can view their medical imaging records as soon as they’re released by their health care provider, giving them an early look at their results, often ahead of a follow-up appointment. This also allows patients to prepare questions in advance to ask their doctor.
• Better understanding of their health: AI-enabled educational tools provide clear, detailed explanations of imaging results, helping simplify complex medical terms. Definitions and illustrations also help patients identify and understand key organs and bones in their actual scans.
• Support for follow-up care: Personalized health insights, including follow-up recommendations, enable patients to plan their next steps and take a more proactive approach to care, such as assessing their risk for bone and breast cancer.

Who owns and maintains your EHR?

With so many complex laws and regulations surrounding patient health information, determining who owns medical records and what rights patients have in accessing them can be confusing. Below is a brief overview regarding medical record ownership and the responsibilities of the health information custodians who maintain them.

Patient rights and ownership

Technically, the clinic or medical facility that created an EHR owns the record itself, as they control the system it was created on, including the hardware, software and storage infrastructure. They are also responsible for safeguarding the information, maintaining its accuracy and providing access to those who are authorized.

That said, patients own the information contained within their records. This distinction is important because it means patients have the right to access their records in a timely manner and can request corrections or updates when needed. Patients can also expect that privacy and security standards are met to safeguard their personal health information.

Record maintenance and updates via health care providers

Health record maintenance and updates are the responsibility of the various medical providers directly involved in a patient’s care. This can include radiologists entering imaging reports, pharmacists updating medication lists or primary care physicians adding chart notes.

How to request a change or correction to your EHR

Patients have a legal right to request changes or corrections to their medical records. However, there are specific steps involved, which may vary slightly depending on the laws and regulations of the province you live in.

You should be able to request a form to initiate the correction process from your medical provider’s office, or they can direct you to the appropriate resource. While the exact requirements may differ by province or facility, here are the general steps for requesting a change to your EHR:

1. Contact the custodian of your health record (this could be your doctor, clinic or hospital).
2. Inform them that you believe your record contains incomplete or inaccurate information.
3. Ask for next steps, such as an official request form to have your record adjusted.
4. You may be required to submit documentation, additional medical records or other evidence to confirm the inaccuracies.
5. Typically, the health record custodian has 30 to 60 days to respond to your request, though this timeline may vary depending on your province or territory.

It’s important to note that the custodian can deny a request to change medical records, though they usually must provide you with written notice explaining their reasoning. Possible reasons for denial include:

• Your health information is no longer being used by the custodian.
• The custodian believes the supporting information provided to justify the correction is inadequate.
• The original health record was created by another entity, and the custodian feels they lack the authority or knowledge to change it.
• The requested correction relates to a medical opinion rather than a fact.
• The requested correction is unjustified.

To dispute or file a complaint about a rejected request to correct a chart, you can contact your province’s information or privacy commissioner or other relevant authority.

An easier way to access your electronic health records in Canada

While some health care facilities offer patient portals or similar methods for patients to access records, many of these systems are siloed, meaning you can only view records from that specific health system or provider. Sharing them with other providers often requires an official request, wait periods and even fees.

PocketHealth makes it easy to access and organize all your medical imaging records and other health records online, in one place. All of your images and reports are permanently stored, securely accessible online and easily shareable with multiple care providers. Plus, any additional records, such as lab results and immunizations, can be easily uploaded, providing a single reliable source of truth about your health.

Additionally, PocketHealth’s AI-enabled education tools and personalized features help you better understand your results with confidence—simplifying reports, highlighting key terms and providing follow-up guidance. With everything organized under one account, you can feel more prepared and in control of your care experience in Canada.
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Frequently asked questions

Who owns your electronic health record?

The clinic or organization that owns and maintains the EHR system usually owns the actual records. However, patients own the information within their records, which gives them the right to access their EHR and ask for corrections when needed.

Who maintains an electronic health record?

Maintenance is typically performed by various health care professionals or administrative staff trained on the EHR/EMR system.

How are corrections made to an electronic health record?

Patients can contact the custodians of their health record (such as a family doctor’s office, hospital or specialist clinic) and request a form to make corrections or amendments. This often requires a written request and supporting documentation. The custodian may also deny the request.

The post How to access electronic health records in Canada appeared first on PocketHealth.

The ability to analyze your X-rays or MRIs can help providers like physiotherapists design treatment programs that materially improve the results of your care. Alternatively, if you have a health condition that requires consultations with specialists, being able to securely and easily share your digital medical images and reports leads to better health outcomes. It also helps prevent delays in testing or treatments, as easily accessible medical records allow physicians to move on to the next steps without waiting for record transfers.

Common barriers to sharing medical imaging records

Many patients still rely on outdated methods, such as physical copies or CDs, to transfer their medical images. More frequently, patients must contact the clinic directly to request and initiate record sharing. Regardless, This process can be frustrating and inefficient due to several factors:

• Time-consuming retrieval: While less common these days, some patients need to visit imaging clinics in person, obtain physical copies, and then distribute them manually to multiple providers. Physical media can also be easily lost or accessed by unauthorized individuals, compromising privacy.
• Release of information processes: Whether the records are physical or digital, most clinics require the patient to officially authorize the transfer or sharing of their records. There are exceptions, but most patient privacy protection laws require permission to be given in advance for record sharing. This necessity can delay the process.
• Waiting on medical records to arrive: Many imaging clinics and facilities rely on their medical records department to transfer and share patient records. If the department is busy or has a backlog of requests, it can take a week or more to send these records.
• Incomplete records: It is not uncommon for an important imaging report or result to be missed when shared with another facility. When records are missing, steps must be taken to have them sent so the physician can have a complete record of the patient, which can lead to delays.

All of these common record sharing requirements can lead to time-consuming frustration. There is, however, a better way to share your medical images and reports.

Introducing a modern solution for record sharing

Many hospitals and imaging clinics now store their images and reports digitally. Not only do digital platforms simplify the access and sharing of medical imaging, but they also reduce the space required for environmentally controlled physical storage.

Modern digital tools allow for direct, encrypted sharing. With the right platform, you can share your medical images and reports with specialists and treatment providers wherever they are, no matter where you might be. You can share your imaging in clear diagnostic quality with your local RMT or an internationally renowned surgeon across the globe.

PocketHealth’s role in simplifying secure sharing

PocketHealth gives you secure access to your medical imaging and the ability to instantly share your images in diagnostic quality on any device (phone, computer or tablet). Eliminate the need for physical CDs and overcome the limitations of clinic-specific portals while ensuring lifelong storage of your medical images and reports.

We have a simple, straightforward signup process that enables you to access imaging records from more than 800 hospitals and imaging clinics. Once you register, you’ll automatically be notified when any new medical images are released. You can share those images as needed, with family healthcare providers.

Pockethealth also offers tools to help you better understand your results and become a more active participant in your care. Report Reader provides clear, easy-to-understand definitions of complex medical terms in your reports, so you’ll be fully informed and aware when you meet with specialists. This is paired with illustrations and highlights of anatomy in your imaging so you can better understand your results. MyCare Navigator not only surfaces follow-up recommendations but also provides you with a personalized list of questions for your doctor to help you steer follow-up appointments and make more informed decisions about your care.

The impact of easy access to medical imaging

Having control over your medical imaging records can make a significant difference in your healthcare experience. Here are a few real-life examples of patients who have benefited from digital access:

• Ruth’s routine mammograms were interrupted by COVID-19. When she was finally able to return, the radiologist discovered breast cancer. She turned to PocketHealth to ensure she always had instant access to her health history, because having control over her records made her feel more in control of her health.
• PocketHealth also makes it possible to share medical images with family members. Aileen was battling metastatic breast cancer and a brain tumour during the pandemic, which meant her husband couldn’t accompany her to her imaging appointments. PocketHealth allowed him to see all her X-rays, MRIs and mammograms, so he could much better support her on her health journey.
• Dave has stage 3 pancreatic cancer, making medical imaging a routine part of his life. When he discovered PocketHealth, he gained access to his imaging records dating back to 2013. This allowed him to review his history at his own pace, track changes in his condition, and come prepared with informed questions for his doctor.

Take control of your medical imaging

Traditional methods for sharing medical images are time-consuming and put extra responsibility and effort on your shoulders. When you adopt secure, patient-friendly digital solutions, the result is better and more seamless care coordination. Both you and your healthcare providers will be fully up to date, and you’ll have secure, easy access to your medical images and reports from any device.

Accessing and sharing your medical images and reports allows you to fully understand the progression of your health and make informed decisions about next steps. PocketHealth is a fast, easy and secure solution for sharing your images.

The post How to Share Your Medical Imaging Records Securely with Multiple Providers appeared first on PocketHealth.

• Cancer
• Alzheimer’s
• Hypertension
• Diabetes
• Heart disease
• Arthritis
• Epilepsy

Having a chronic health condition can be challenging in many ways. Navigating treatment options, medications and communicating with multiple physicians or specialists can feel overwhelming. On top of that, patients must juggle frequent medical imaging, regular appointments and numerous tests. This article will explore ways to manage follow-up visits and access imaging health records, streamlining the process and offering patients better understanding and more control.

The challenges of multiple imaging records in chronic care

Chronic care often requires multiple physicians or specialists, frequent appointments and various diagnostic tests. This is especially true if the patient’s condition needs to be monitored over time, with testing and medical imaging exams repeated to assess any changes or progression. Here are some common challenges for patients who have imaging records from multiple imaging clinics or hospitals:

1. Sharing records with multiple providers: Because there may be various treatments or care plans from different providers, it can be challenging for patients to keep everyone in the loop if their care team includes physicians from multiple facilities. Accessing results from multiple patient portals, sharing these records with different physicians and tracking numerous follow-up recommendations can be time-consuming for the patient.
2. Difficulty tracking long-term health conditions: Patients with chronic conditions often have many imaging records from exams that happen over the course of years. These records are essential for evaluating treatments, disease progression and other changes. Keeping up with these changes can become more challenging when records are spread across different facilities and patient portals.
3. Emergency situations: If a patient ends up in the Emergency Room (ER) for any reason, accessing their past health imaging from multiple facilities in a timely manner can be difficult. This information is important for informing ER doctors of the patient’s health history.
4. Accessing older imaging records: If a chronic condition has been treated over a long period, some imaging records may be in outdated formats, such as on CDs or USBs. Storing these records electronically in one location makes accessing them much easier.
5. Privacy restrictions for caregivers: For patients with caregivers who need access to their medical information, patient privacy laws require signed permission. If there are multiple medical providers, legal consent must be granted to each facility.

Benefits of consolidated imaging records for chronic care

There are several benefits to patients having access to their imaging reports on a single platform:

1. Comprehensive health history: Patients can keep all of their imaging records in a single location, making it easy to access all of their imaging results.
2. Coordination across specialists: When the patient’s entire medical team has access to the same information, it ensures consistency of care and a more comprehensive approach to treatment.
3. Sharing information across multiple healthcare providers: Broader teams of healthcare providers can access imaging no matter where the patient goes. This ensures that hospitals, emergency facilities, clinics and new providers will all have the same information, even if the patient is traveling. This negates the need to keep track of imaging across multiple patient portals.
4. Sharing information with family members: For patients with family or friends who are caretakers or want to be involved, easily sharing reports can help keep them in the loop.
5. Better understanding: Having access to historical imaging exam records and personalized insights about their results allows the patient to better understand the progression of their condition, enabling them to ask more informed questions to their provider.
6. Keeping track of follow-up recommendations: Follow-up imaging and other next steps can be easily tracked from one location, reducing the risk of missed follow-ups. This is especially helpful if there are multiple physicians and recommendations at the same time.

PocketHealth’s role in chronic condition management

PocketHealth is well-suited to assist patients with chronic conditions. Centralized storage of imaging records makes it simple to share with any medical provider. Sharing these records is straightforward, with options to send them to care facilities and physicians via email, fax or print.

In addition to medical record access, PocketHealth offers powerful tools to help patients understand their health. Report Reader provides clear, straightforward definitions of the medical terminology in imaging reports. Patients can click or tap any underlined words to see their meaning. This is paired with illustrations and highlights of anatomy in patients’ imaging to help them better understand their results. MyCare Navigator further empowers patients by generating personalized questions they can ask their medical providers based on findings within their report.

Personal accounts of managing chronic conditions with better imaging access

Many patients have personally benefited from using PocketHealth to manage their chronic health conditions. For Kristy, a rare disease patient, having all of her records on PocketHealth allows her to attend healthcare appointments “…feeling informed and empowered because I have the information at my fingertips.” She also appreciates that faster access to her reports reduces the stress and anxiety of waiting for test results. With PocketHealth, patients gain access as soon as the imaging report is released.

For Blair, celiac disease had a dramatic impact on her bone health, leading to frequent bone density imaging. As she began her journey to take control of her chronic conditions, she quickly realized how complicated it could be to gather all of her medical records. Eventually, she discovered PocketHealth, which greatly simplified the process. “Having easy access to my records was not only helpful when going from doctor to doctor, it gave me the tools to prepare for my appointments. I could look back at previous consults, think about the questions I’d ask and ultimately find better treatment options.”

Take control of your health with PocketHealth

Patients with chronic conditions already have a lot to manage. Having easy access to all of their imaging records removes one more stress from their to-do list. Efficient and convenient, PocketHealth offers personalized insights based on their reports, faster access to imaging results and streamlined record sharing. Patients can take control of their medical history, empowering them to have more productive conversations with their care team and be their own advocates as they navigate their health journey.

The post Managing Health Records and Follow-ups Associated with Chronic Health Conditions appeared first on PocketHealth.

Modern medical images are produced digitally, which can create challenges when accessing your own images for diagnostic purposes. These images are large digital files that are difficult to transfer through traditional electronic methods. Due to this obstacle, clinics often store images on CDs for transfer, adding further hurdles to the process of obtaining your own records.

CDs can be broken or lost in transit, delaying vital diagnoses and treatment. Additionally, CD readers are becoming increasingly rare in modern computer hardware—most current laptops don’t include them. Even if you can access a CD, medical image files are stored in DICOM format, requiring a specialized DICOM reader to open them.

Fortunately, there’s a better way to view, share, and store your medical images and reports. Digital platforms like PocketHealth eliminate the complications of file sharing and CD delivery while offering security and personalized insights about your results. With a digital platform, you can easily share your medical images and reports as needed, whether with specialists, family, or caregivers in order to avoid delays in your care.

This post will explore why digital storage is the best choice for your medical images, how the process works, and the benefits of simple, secure access.

The benefits of going digital

Digitally storing your medical images and reports solves more than just the problem of having enough appropriately maintained and secure physical space. When your medical images are digital you can:

• Access them anywhere, anytime: Digital access means you can refer to and share your images in diagnostic quality whenever you need, whether you’re at a specialist across town, at work or on vacation on the other side of the planet.
• Be efficient during consultations: Spend your appointments discussing your health issues and solutions, rather than waiting for images to arrive or load. You can even share your images ahead of time, so your doctor is up to date when you arrive.
• Better understand your results: Having access to your images and reports gives you the time and space necessary to understand your complete health picture so that you can be fully informed and involved in your treatment and progress.
• Centrally store family records: If you’re a caregiver for a child or parent, you can easily access their images. This allows you to keep abreast of their progress, share it with other family members and caregivers, and have all the information you need to advocate for their health.
• Keep your records forever: In Canada, healthcare providers are required to keep medical records for 10-16 years, depending on which province you live in. In the U.S., HIPAA requires records to be stored for at least 6 years. When your medical images and reports are digital, you’ll always have access to them, even if your doctor retires or closes their practice.
• Prepare for your next steps: Having access to your medical images and reports gives you a sense of control. You can absorb information in your own time and terms and arrive at your appointments fully informed.
• Streamline sharing with specialists: Digital access allows you to instantly share your medical images with multiple healthcare providers in diagnostic quality—no more waiting for specialists to send or receive images or reports.

Fast, secure digital access can drive better health outcomes more quickly. When a persistent cough forced Norm to abandon a trip and seek medical care, having digital access allowed him to view his X-ray on his own device, send the image for a second opinion, and share it with his doctor during a follow-up appointment.

How PocketHealth simplifies digital access

PocketHealth gives you secure, permanent digital storage for your medical images and reports. Working with more than 800 hospitals and imaging clinics across North America, we make it fast and easy for you to access and share your records.

PocketHealth makes it easy to access and share your medical records.Instead of navigating multiple patient portals for different clinics or doctors, you can store all your images and reports in one secure location, and share them in diagnostic quality whenever needed.

Many patients have experienced firsthand the benefits of using PocketHealth when dealing with chronic health conditions. Kristy, a rare disease patient, shares, “Having all my records on PocketHealth allows me to attend healthcare appointments feeling informed and empowered because I have the information at my fingertips.” She also values the reduced stress and anxiety of waiting for test results, as PocketHealth provides immediate access as soon as imaging reports are released.

PocketHealth ensures you’re fully informed when it comes to your health:

• Report Reader provides easy-to-understand definitions of complex medical terms in your reports. It is paired with illustrations and highlights of anatomy in your images so you can better understand your results.
• MyCare Navigator surfaces any follow-up recommendations contained in your report, so you always know what your next steps are. It also creates personalized questions to help you have productive discussions with your doctor.
• Breast Health tools calculate your breast cancer risk score and help you manage the mammogram process.

PocketHealth is dedicated to protecting the privacy of your personal health information. It uses bank-level encryption, two-step identification, and password protection to meet or exceed all requirements for health data safety in Canada (PHIPA) and the U.S. (HIPAA).

Real-life applications

Blair M. saw nutritionists, physiotherapists and other specialists when she was diagnosed with celiac disease. Used to collecting and sharing CDs with specialists, she was thrilled to encounter PocketHealth. Signing up with PocketHealth gave Blair a sense of control. Easy access to her records was helpful when going from doctor to doctor and also gave her tools to prepare for appointments.

Dan had signed up for Pockethealth a week before he broke his collarbone in a cycling accident out of town. Sharing his X-rays with a local ER doctor allowed him to fast-track his surgery. PocketHealth saved Dan a week and a half of pain and allowed him to have surgery at his preferred hospital.

Being able to share her medical images made a huge difference in Jeanne’s life. After years of cancer treatment, she suffered from persistent joint pain. While on vacation with her son in Costa Rica, she was able to share her images with a local doctor who provided an innovative treatment that drastically reduced her pain. Because of PocketHealth, Jeanne was able to obtain treatment that made a huge difference in her life.

Take Control with PocketHealth

Trusted by more than 2 million patients, PocketHealth puts you in control of your medical images and reports—allowing you to see, share, and store them securely in diagnostic quality.

With PocketHealth, you can:

• Access all your medical images and reports in one secure location.
• Share them instantly with specialists, family, or caregivers.
• Better understand your health with easy-to-understand tools like Report Reader and MyCare Navigator.
• Ensure your records are always available, no matter where life takes you.

Getting started is simple: Select your hospital or clinic, enter your details, and set up your secure account. You’ll be notified as soon as your medical images and reports are ready to view. Access your records today!

The post Top Benefits of Going Digital with Your Medical Imaging Records appeared first on PocketHealth.

If you’ve had a mammogram, you may want access to your images and report. This article breaks down what you can expect when it comes to accessing your mammogram results, including:

• How long it takes to get your mammogram results
• The benefits of having access to your mammogram images and reports
• How to understand your mammogram report
• Who might have access to your mammograms

Having access to your mammogram images and records is key to taking control of your own health journey. It’s also the law. Under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) in the U.S. and the Privacy Act in Canada, including Ontario’s Personal Health Information Protection Act (PHIPA) at the provincial level, every patient has the right to access their own health records.

PocketHealth makes that access easy and allows you to securely share, store and understand your mammogram images and report in one place.

How long does it take to get a mammogram report back?

The hospital imaging department or clinic will typically send your mammogram results within 10 days. Several factors might speed up or slow down the process:

• The urgency of your particular situation. In some pressing cases, mammogram results might be expedited and delivered more quickly.
• The complexity of the scan. The more complex the scan, the more time it could take for the radiologist to review.
• The need for more information. Your results might require follow-up imaging in order to deliver a complete and accurate diagnosis.
• The need to review against previous scans. When it comes to breast cancer screening, checking results against past scans is especially important.
• The mode of transmission. How the imaging clinic sends the results to your referring physician also affects how long it takes to get your results. Diagnostic-quality images are sometimes sent by CD, while reports might be faxed.

Some patient portals will include mammogram images along with the report, but not all portals have that capability. And even if they do, the images are rarely of diagnostic quality, which is important when it comes to understanding your results, comparing results over time and sharing your exam results with healthcare providers

5 benefits of having access to your mammogram results online

According to a 2023 PocketHealth survey, 51% of Canadians report feeling anxious or stressed while waiting for medical imaging or results. Having secure access to your mammogram results as soon as they become available can help reduce that ‘scanxiety’. Here are 5 ways PocketHealth helps make you the driver, not the passenger, in your healthcare journey:

• You get faster, easier access. With PocketHealth, your imaging results are securely accessible as soon as they’re approved for release by the hospital or imaging clinic. This allows you the opportunity to review your results and prepare questions ahead of your follow-up visit.
• You can share results. Comparing results over time is especially important for breast cancer screening. If you need a second opinion or just want to keep your entire health team up to date, you can share diagnostic-quality images from your account—even if the receiving practitioner isn’t on PocketHealth yet.
• You can better understand your results. PocketHealth provides clear definitions and illustrations for complex medical terms—plus an in-depth explanation of your full imaging report. This is paired with highlights of key anatomy in your imaging to help you better comprehend what you’re looking at.
• You’ll never miss a follow-up. A 2021 study reported that 60% of recommendations for additional imaging are never followed up on. PocketHealth lets you know if there are any follow-up recommendations in your mammogram report, which is particularly crucial for breast cancer screening
• You own your records. PocketHealth secures your medical images and reports with bank-level encryption technology. Secure centralized storage means you don’t have to send written requests for records, which can take up to two months and might even cost a fee.

How to understand your mammogram results

Your mammogram results include both images and a report prepared by the radiologist. In the images, your breast tissue shows up in shades of gray against a dark background. The denser the tissue, the lighter it appears in the image. Calcium deposits and glands show up as white, as do benign fibroadenomas and tumors. Having a tumor does not automatically mean you have cancer.

Mammograms also assess breast density. Dense breasts have more fibrous and glandular tissue than fatty tissue. Having dense breasts is normal and common, especially in younger women, but they can add complexity to mammograms as both dense tissue and cancer look white in mammogram images. For more details on how to read your mammogram results, you can check out our detailed article.

There are 4 categories of breast density:

• Category A less than 25% dense tissue
• Category B 25-50% dense tissue in areas scattered throughout the breast
• Category C 50-75% heterogeneously concentrated dense tissue
• Category D 75%+ dense tissue

In addition, medical professionals use a standard scale to discuss mammogram results, called Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS). The system is split into the following 6 categories:

• Category 0: Your scan was incomplete or unclear. You’ll require further testing, which might include another mammogram for comparative purposes.
• Category 1: A normal test result. This is considered ‘negative’ since nothing abnormal or new was detected.
• Category 2: Also negative, this result includes some sort of non-cancerous finding like a benign calcification.
• Category 3: This scan is potentially benign but it reveals a finding which suggests a follow-up image be taken, generally within a year.
• Category 4: A suspicious finding but not confirmed to be cancer. A biopsy is often recommended in this case.
• Category 5: The findings in this category generally suggest cancer. A biopsy is strongly recommended.
• Category 6: This category is only used for findings in images taken after cancer has already been proven.

Who has access to your mammogram results?

Depending on your particular circumstances and needs, several parties may have access to your mammogram results, including:

• You. Thanks to PHIPA in Canada and HIPAA in the U.S., it is the law that patients can access their own medical records. You might access your mammogram results online through a client portal, or via a secure platform such as PocketHealth.
• Mammogram technologist. Your mammogram images will be taken by a highly-trained technologist, who then forwards the images to a radiologist.
• Radiologist. A radiologist reviews and interprets your images, and creates a report about the findings. You can view both the images and the reports with PocketHealth.
• Your referring physician (or primary care provider). The radiologist sends the images and report to the referring physician, who will review and discuss the results with you at a follow-up appointment.
• Parent/legal guardian. If the patient is under 18, a parent or legal guardian can access their medical records on their behalf in order to expedite treatment.
• Advocate/caregiver. With written consent from a patient, an advocate or caregiver can access a patient’s medical records.
• Insurance companies. If your mammogram requires insurance coverage, the insurance company is allowed to view the images and report.
• Care facilities. The doctors, nurses and staff at long-term care facilities need access to patients’ medical records in order to provide care.
• Rehabilitation centers. If you attend a rehabilitation center, the attending medical staff requires access to your medical records during your stay.
• Hospitals and labs. Hospitals and labs might need to review and compare medical records in order to make the most accurate diagnosis and provide the most appropriate treatment.

Stay on top of your breast health with regular mammogram screenings

Regular screening mammograms are a vital step to monitor breast health and are the most reliable way to detect the earliest signs of breast cancer. Early detection is key to effective treatment and improved health outcomes. Having access to your mammogram results helps you be a more confident, informed and proactive participant in your care.

If you’re located in Ontario, you have the option to get your breast cancer risk score and determine your eligibility for Ontario Breast Screening Program (OBSP), as part of PocketHealth’s suite of breast health tools. If you’re eligible for OBSP, you can even book your next mammogram directly through PocketHealth.

PocketHealth makes it simple to keep track of your medical imaging results. All of your images and reports are permanently available in one secure location and can be accessed online—anytime, anywhere. Reports can also be easily shared with other members of your care team, if needed. When used in conjunction with your medical provider’s professional advice, it is a powerful tool to better understand your imaging results.

PocketHealth also provides personalized health insights based on the findings in your report to help you stay on top of any next steps. This includes clearly surfacing any follow-up actions found in your report and generating customized questions to ask your doctor so you can make the most of your follow-up appointment.

How PocketHealth works

Learn how PocketHealth can help you to securely access and share your mammogram records.

The post How Soon Can I See My Mammogram Results Online? appeared first on PocketHealth.

A medical X-ray uses a low-dose of radiation to create images of the internal structures of your body. Your doctor may refer you for an X-ray to help diagnose or monitor a variety of conditions, illnesses or injuries from pneumonia to kidney stones to bone fractures.

If you’ve had an X-ray, you may want access to your images and report, especially if you’re actively monitoring a specific illness or recovery from an injury. This article breaks down what you can expect when it comes to accessing your X-ray results, including:

• How long it takes to get your X-ray results
• The benefits of having access to your X-ray images and reports
• What your online X-ray results might show
• Who might have access to your X-rays

The ability to access your own medical images and records is not only helpful to your health journey, it’s also the law. Under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) in the U.S. and the Privacy Act in Canada, including Ontario’s Personal Health Information Protection Act (PHIPA) at the provincial level, every patient has the right to access their personal medical information.

Having access to your medical images, records and reports provides you with the opportunity to take control of your own health journey. By seeing your X-rays and reading the accompanying report, you can plan for any next steps you might need to take. You’ll be able to ask more knowledgeable questions at your follow-up appointment and get a second opinion if desired.

By accessing your records through PocketHealth you can securely store, understand and share all your medical images and reports.

How long do you typically wait for X-ray results?

A technologist takes your X-rays, capturing the required images, which are sent to a radiologist who interprets them and prepares a report for your physician. The process usually takes between 2-5 business days. Then you’ll discuss the results with your physician at a follow-up appointment.
Different circumstances can speed up or slow down the process, such as:

• The urgency of your specific situation. In crisis cases, X-ray results are usually delivered immediately.
• The complexity of the X-ray. If the X-ray is complicated, or several different or overlapping images are required, wait times might be longer.
• The need for more information. An X-ray might reveal the need for more information or other diagnostic imaging to provide the radiologist with all the necessary information to make a diagnosis.
• The need to review. If an X-ray needs to be compared to a previous version or another image, tracking down the earlier images can lengthen wait times.
• The mode of transmission. The manner in which X-rays are transferred between the imaging clinic or hospital and the referring physician may dictate how long it takes to get your results. Diagnostic-quality images are often transferred via CD or a secure network link, while reports are sometimes faxed.

Not all platforms or patient portals will include X-ray images along with the results. Even if they do, the X-ray images may not be of diagnostic quality. Diagnostic-quality imaging is important because it allows you to view your results just as your physician does and enables you to easily get a second opinion.

5 benefits of having access to your X-rays online

Waiting for your X-ray results can be stressful. If you feel left in the dark waiting on the results, PocketHealth can help you gain some control with fast, easy and secure access to your medical reports, as soon as they are available.

Here are 5 ways PocketHealth helps ensure you are a partner, not a passenger, in your own care:

• You get faster, easier access. With PocketHealth, you can see your reports and X-ray photos online as soon as they’re released by the radiologist and you can view on any device. You don’t have to wait for the follow-up appointment with your doctor.
• You can share your results. You can share your images with the health care professionals of your choice, keep your wider health team updated or get a second opinion right from your account. Print, email or fax a secure access page to another practitioner, who doesn’t even have to be on PocketHealth to view your X-ray images in full diagnostic quality.
• You can ask more informed questions. An X-ray report is full of complex medical terms. PocketHealth Report Reader can help you understand what those terms mean, so you can have more informed follow-up discussions with your physician.
• You’ll never miss a follow-up. With all the medical terminology, it can be easy to overlook follow-up recommendations. PocketHealth identifies when a follow-up has been recommended, so you’ll always know the next steps to take.
• You own your records. At PocketHealth, your records are secured with top-tier encryption technology, located in one place for you to access and share. The secure storage also provides rapid access, so you can avoid requesting records in writing, which can take up to two months and might require a fee.

What will my online X-rays show?

The outputs from an X-ray include both the images and a report. The exact findings will depend on what type of X-ray you had and why. A chest X-ray, for instance, might be looking for evidence of pneumonia, while a bone X-ray might be scanning for fractures.

To interpret the X-ray images, radiologists examine the following:

• Density: the denser the structure in an X-ray image, the lighter the colour. Bone appears pale grey, for example, while fat is dark charcoal.
• Lucency: a dark spot on an X-ray, lucency is the opposite of density.
• Undulation: a wavy or uneven appearance.

Depending on their size, contrast, and where they’re located, all three can be normal or a sign of abnormality. Having access to your images and report doesn’t replace the importance of a follow-up appointment with your referring physician. But if you get your results ahead of time, you can use Report Reader to quickly understand complex medical terminology and definitions and to identify any follow-up recommendations. That way you can be fully informed when you discuss the results with your doctor.

Who has access to my X-rays?

Depending on your specific situation and needs, several parties may have access to your X-rays. Here’s a list of who may access your X-rays:

• You. In both Canada (under PHIPA) and the U.S. (under HIPAA), it is the law that patients can access their own medical records, including imaging and reports. Some clinics have patient portals through which you can access your X-rays, or you can view them through a secure online platform like PocketHealth.
• The X-ray technologist. Your X-rays will be taken by a skilled technologist, who will pass the images on to a radiologist for interpretation.
• The radiologist. The radiologist at the hospital or clinic will review your X-rays and create a report of the findings for your referring physician. You can access both your images and the report with PocketHealth.
• Your primary care provided (often your referring physician). The radiologist will send the images and completed report to your referring physician, who will review them and share the results with you at a follow-up appointment.
• Parent/legal guardian. If the patient is a minor (under 18 years old), a parent or legal guardian can access their medical records and images to expedite medical treatment and care.
• Advocate/caregiver. If a patient has provided written consent, an advocate can receive medical records on their behalf. An advocate or caregiver can also receive medical records if the patient is unable to provide consent.
• Insurance companies. If an X-ray is required for the treatment of an illness or injury that involves insurance coverage, the insurance company has the right to review the images and report.
• Care facilities. In order to give ongoing care, doctors, nurses and staff at long-term care facilities can review the medical records of patients.
  Rehabilitation centers. If a patient’s course of treatment involves visits to a rehabilitation center, attending medical staff can access their medical records during their stay.
• Hospitals and labs. To provide the most appropriate recommendations and treatment, hospitals and labs might need to review past and current medical records and images, including X-rays.

Advocating for your health

Having secure access to your own X-ray records gives you the opportunity to fully understand them. With PocketHealth you can view your X-ray images and get definitions of complex radiology terminology even before your follow-up appointment. And when you’re fully informed, you can be confident and ready to advocate for yourself on the next step in your health journey.

How PocketHealth works

Learn more about how to use PocketHealth to access and share your X-ray results.

The post How Soon Can I See My X-Rays Online? appeared first on PocketHealth.