Accessing your health information and managing your care has become simpler than ever with patient portals like Doctor Connect. This guide provides helpful answers to frequently asked questions about Doctor Connect Login, helping you navigate your patient portal effectively.
Understanding Doctor Connect and Epic
What is Epic?
Epic is a unified electronic health record system used by Columbia University Irving Medical Center, NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, and Weill Cornell Medicine. It integrates all your health information into one place, ensuring your healthcare providers have a complete view of your medical history across different locations – be it your doctor’s office, the emergency room, or the hospital. This comprehensive system is designed to enhance the quality of care you receive.
Why the shift to Epic?
The transition to Epic is aimed at improving patient care coordination and delivery. By consolidating your health records, Epic enables your providers to make well-informed decisions, leading to better diagnoses and treatment plans. Furthermore, you benefit from having a single patient portal to manage appointments, view test results, and handle billing, streamlining your healthcare administration.
Navigating Doctor Connect: Your Patient Portal
What exactly is Doctor Connect?
Doctor Connect, also known as Connect, is your patient portal. It’s a secure, personalized online platform designed to give you access to parts of your medical records and manage various aspects of your healthcare. This single portal serves patients across Columbia University Irving Medical Center, NewYork-Presbyterian, and Weill Cornell Medicine.
What can I do through Doctor Connect login?
Once you Doctor Connect login, you gain access to a range of features designed to empower you in managing your health:
- View Test Results: Access your lab results and imaging reports as soon as they are available.
- Schedule and Manage Appointments Online: Book appointments, reschedule, or cancel existing ones directly through the portal.
- Online Bill Payment: Conveniently view and pay your medical bills online.
- Direct Communication with Your Provider’s Office: Securely message your doctor’s office for non-urgent questions and requests.
- Appointment History: Keep track of all past and upcoming appointments, including emergency room visits and hospital stays.
- After-Visit Summaries: Review summaries of your appointments and care instructions.
- Clinical Notes: Read notes from your healthcare providers about your visits and treatments.
- Telehealth Services: Access video visits for follow-up appointments and urgent care needs from the comfort of your home.
To get started, visit https://www.myconnectnyc.org/newuser/ to sign up and Doctor Connect login to your patient portal.
Access and Eligibility for Doctor Connect
Who is eligible for Doctor Connect?
Any patient aged 12 and above can have a Doctor Connect account. Parents can also get proxy access to manage their children’s accounts, and adult patients can grant access to family members or caregivers. For detailed information, refer to the Terms and Conditions.
When did these institutions join Doctor Connect?
Columbia University Irving Medical Center and NewYork-Presbyterian integrated with Weill Cornell Medicine’s Epic system and Doctor Connect patient portal on February 1, 2020.
Will all my past medical records be on Doctor Connect?
Key parts of your medical history are being transferred to Doctor Connect. You can discuss these with your provider for a comprehensive review. Rest assured, your doctors have access to your complete medical record within the system.
If you need older records not yet available in Doctor Connect, you can request them via an online form after you Doctor Connect login.
Is Doctor Connect a secure platform?
Yes, security is a top priority. Doctor Connect utilizes a secure, encrypted connection (SSL 128-bit encryption) for all communication between you and your healthcare team. This ensures your health information is protected from unauthorized access during transmission. Your records are also stored behind firewalls for enhanced security. Access requires a personal username and password that you create, adding another layer of protection.
Are there any fees to use Doctor Connect?
No, Doctor Connect is a complimentary service provided to patients.
Doctor Connect Login and Sign-Up Process
How do I sign up or Doctor Connect login?
After your clinic visit, you will typically receive an activation code. Alternatively, you can sign up directly by visiting https://www.myconnectnyc.org/newuser/ and clicking on the “Self Sign Up” button. Follow the prompts to create your account and Doctor Connect login.
What are the technical requirements for Doctor Connect login?
To Doctor Connect login and use the portal, you need:
- A computer with internet access.
- An updated web browser (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Explorer/Edge).
- Alternatively, you can use the Doctor Connect mobile app for iOS and Android devices.
Can I use Doctor Connect on my phone or tablet?
Yes, Doctor Connect offers mobile apps for both Apple and Android devices, making it convenient to access your portal on the go.
Can I link Doctor Connect to other apps?
Yes, Doctor Connect supports linking to third-party apps that use FHIR (Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources) standards. If you use health management apps that are FHIR-enabled, you can connect them to your Doctor Connect account by following the app’s instructions. More information is available here: https://open.epic.com/Tutorial/PatientAuthentication
Troubleshooting Doctor Connect Login Issues
What if I lost my activation code?
For security reasons, a new activation code cannot be emailed. You can request a new one during your next in-person visit. You can also use the “Self Sign Up” option on the Doctor Connect website, which doesn’t require an activation code.
My activation code isn’t working. What should I do?
Activation codes sent via text or email are valid for 24 hours, while codes received by mail are valid for 30 days. If your code has expired, use the “Self Sign Up” process. The system will verify your identity through security questions. If you still face issues, contact Doctor Connect Technical Support at 646-962-4200.
“Login unsuccessful” message when I Doctor Connect login.
Ensure your Caps Lock is off as passwords are case-sensitive. Double-check for extra spaces in your username or password. If you’ve forgotten your details, use the password recovery or username recovery links on the Doctor Connect login page.
I forgot my Doctor Connect username.
Click here to recover your username. After verifying your personal information, your username will be emailed to the address on file. For further help, call Technical Support at 646-962-4200.
I forgot my Doctor Connect password.
Click here to reset your password. After entering your details, a security code will be sent to your registered email. Enter the code to create a new password. Contact Technical Support at 646-962-4200 if needed.
How do I change my Doctor Connect password?
Once you Doctor Connect login, go to “Your Menu” and click on “Security Settings” to change your password.
Managing Family Access and Proxy Accounts
Can I ask about family members from my Doctor Connect account?
No, avoid asking about family members’ health through your account. Your account is linked to your medical record, and messages about others could be incorrectly placed in your record, potentially affecting medical care.
Can my spouse and I share a Doctor Connect account?
No, each patient needs their own Doctor Connect account due to the private nature of medical information.
Can I get access to another adult’s Doctor Connect account?
Yes, adults can grant proxy access to other adults. The proxy doesn’t need to be a patient. The patient must complete a “Connect Patient Portal Proxy Access Authorization” form. Once processed, the proxy will receive an email to set up their own Doctor Connect login to access the patient’s account. Contact the patient’s provider for assistance if the patient cannot sign the form.
How do I give someone access to my Doctor Connect account?
You can grant proxy access by completing the “Connect Patient Portal Proxy Access Authorization” form at your provider’s office. Your chosen proxy will receive instructions via email to create a Doctor Connect login and access your account.
Can I get Doctor Connect access for my child?
Parents or legal guardians can get proxy access for children under 12. Request this access at your child’s next appointment.
How do I revoke someone’s access to my Doctor Connect account?
After you Doctor Connect login, go to “Your Menu,” then “Share My Record,” and find “Friends and family access” to remove proxy access.
Access for Teenagers (12-17 years old)
Why can’t I use my email for my teen’s Doctor Connect?
New York State law protects adolescent’s sensitive health information. Teens aged 12-17 should have their own Doctor Connect accounts to ensure privacy and encourage them to manage their health.
Parents can have a “Adult to Child/Adolescent (0-17) Default Access/ No Consent Required” proxy account, providing access to most of the teen’s information while keeping sensitive details confidential.
What is an adolescent Proxy account?
This proxy account allows parents to manage appointments, messaging, prescriptions, and view general health information for teens, but it restricts access to sensitive information like STI results, pregnancy details, and substance use information. Teens can grant full access to parents if they choose via the “Share My Record” section in their Doctor Connect login settings.
How can my teen share their full record with me?
Teens can grant full access by logging into their Doctor Connect account, going to “Menu,” then “Share my record,” and following the prompts to set up an “Adult to Adolescent (12-17) Consent Form Signed Proxy” account for their parent. This consent can also be completed at the registration desk during an office visit. The full access consent needs to be renewed every two years.
What if my teen doesn’t have an email for Doctor Connect?
Most teens have email accounts (school, Gmail, iCloud, etc.). The teen’s Doctor Connect account should be registered with their personal email to maintain privacy.
Can we use a family email for Doctor Connect registration?
No, each Doctor Connect account, especially for teens, should use a unique email address for privacy and confidentiality.
What if my teen cannot manage their Doctor Connect account?
Discuss your concerns with your healthcare provider to determine the best approach for your situation.
What happens to my proxy access when my child turns 12?
Your access changes to an “Adult to Child/Adolescent (0-17) Default Access/No Consent Required” proxy account, which limits access to sensitive teen health information as described earlier.
Managing Your Information and Communication in Doctor Connect
Can I update my personal information on Doctor Connect?
Yes, after you Doctor Connect login, go to “Your Menu,” then “Personal Information.” Hover over any section and click “Edit” to update your details.
How quickly will I get a reply to messages sent through Doctor Connect?
Expect a response within two business days. Do not use Doctor Connect for urgent medical issues. For emergencies, call your provider or 911.
When can I see my test results on Doctor Connect?
Most test results are automatically released to your Doctor Connect account. If you don’t see a result, ask your provider to release it. Technical support cannot discuss medical information.
Why are some test results not on Doctor Connect?
Sensitive test results may not be automatically released. Contact your provider to request release or submit a request via your Doctor Connect login portal.
How do I view my Clinician’s Notes on Doctor Connect?
Find notes under past visits or hospital stays on the “Visits” page after you Doctor Connect login. Notes are meant for quick understanding by healthcare professionals. For help with medical terms, refer to common medical abbreviations and terms. Some notes, like those for adolescents or behavioral health, may need to be requested separately.
What if some health information in Doctor Connect is incorrect?
For outpatient records, ask your doctor to correct inaccuracies at your next visit or message your provider’s office. For hospital, surgery, ER, or outpatient corrections, follow the instructions at:
NYP: https://www.nyp.org/patients-and-visitors/medical-records
Columbia: https://www.columbiadoctors.org/about-us/medical-records
Weill Cornell Medicine: https://weillcornell.org/contact
What if I don’t want my records shared outside my doctor’s office?
Your privacy is respected. Information sharing is related to your care within Columbia University Irving Medical Center, NewYork-Presbyterian, or Weill Cornell Medicine. To opt out of electronic health information exchange, decline during registration or contact the privacy offices to stop sharing.
How do I request more information or my full medical record?
Request missing information or full records through your Doctor Connect login portal here. For more options or forms, visit:
NYP: https://www.nyp.org/patients-and-visitors/medical-records
Columbia: https://www.columbiadoctors.org/about-us/medical-records
Weill Cornell Medicine: https://weillcornell.org/contact
Bill Payment via Doctor Connect
What bills can I pay through Doctor Connect?
You can pay bills from Columbia and Weill Cornell Medicine providers and NewYork-Presbyterian hospital bills via Doctor Connect.
Is online bill payment through Doctor Connect secure?
Yes, all payments are PCI compliant, ensuring secure electronic transactions.
Do I have to pay bills online through Doctor Connect?
No, online payment is optional. You can also pay by phone or mail, as detailed on your statement.
Who do I contact for billing questions?
Call the customer service number on your statement or send a message through Doctor Connect.
Video Visits through Doctor Connect
What do I need for a video visit?
For the best video visit experience, use the Doctor Connect app on iOS or Android. For computers, use the latest version of Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Explorer/Edge, and ensure your microphone and camera are working. Setup instructions will be sent two days before your visit.
How do I schedule a video visit?
Check for “Video Visit” options when scheduling online through Doctor Connect. You can also ask about video visit availability when scheduling appointments by phone.
Need More Help?
Who should I contact for further questions about Doctor Connect login and usage?
Contact your provider’s office for any additional questions or assistance with Doctor Connect.
Please note: This document is for informational purposes only and does not provide medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider for medical concerns.
