The MyChart Patient Portal is easy to use, can be accessed from anywhere and puts all your health records—and your family’s health records—at your fingertips. Mary Hyde, a Radiation/Oncology Care Coordinator at Wellstar Paulding Hospital, is constantly using MyChart to manage all her family’s healthcare needs.
She reaches out to doctors, pays bills, makes appointments and tracks their medical history. Mary can even see lab reports, request prescription refills, and review doctor’s notes.
“I use MyChart two or three times a week at least, sometimes more! I love the text and email updates, and that it lets me know when there are test results and bills to be paid,” Mary said. “Well, I don't love getting the bills, but it is a nice feature.”
Every member of Mary’s immediate family uses MyChart. She has her records, as well as proxy access for her two boys, and her husband has his own account. One of their boys has special medical needs that they are monitoring closely, so MyChart is convenient.
“Being able to look in MyChart to monitor his weight and labs, and reference these without having to carry around a notebook to different specialists who may not be on Epic (or in the Wellstar system) has been very helpful,” Mary explained. “I can pull up MyChart via the app in the exam room to show the doctor his growth or illness, so we can treat him effectively. It's literally been a lifesaver at times.”
Thanks to MyChart, Mary was able to identify her son’s unusual weight pattern. Before his seventh birthday, she noticed he was becoming very skinny. She looked back at his MyChart and discovered he had not gained any weight since his 6-year check-up. Mary used this information to consult with their pediatrician and other specialists to determine the cause and work towards a solution.
“MyChart just makes sense. It is so user-friendly, easy to use and helpful when you need to reference a previous doctor visit or the last time you took an antibiotic,” Mary said. “Let's face it: we are all busy and need an app to help us remember stuff like this!”
If you haven’t already signed up for access to the MyChart Patient Portal, it’s free, easy and you can do it today at wellstar.org/mychart. Just fill in the information, click “Sign up, I Don’t Have a Code,” and you will receive an email with access information in the coming days.
MyChart Helps You Keep Track of Your Family’s Healthcare
Health Records at Your Fingertips
Published on December 18, 2019
Last updated 11:24 AM August 11, 2020
The MyChart Patient Portal lets patients contact doctors, pay bills, make appointments and track their medical history. It’s also easy to request prescription refills and review doctor’s notes. And best of all: it’s free!
See how heart screening at Wellstar can help you fight against heart disease.
Sign up to MyChart now
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A Healthy Handoff: Transitioning Teens to Adult Primary Care
Timing the transition
“The transition usually happens between ages 17 and 19,” said Dr. Nicole Carter, a Wellstar Children’s of Georgia pediatrician. “The decision is primarily influenced by the teen and their family. Some young adults choose to move to an adult primary care provider sooner because they feel uncomfortable being in a setting with younger children.” As one of Georgia’s largest and most integrated health systems, Wellstar offers an expansive network of primary care providers across the state—making it easier for families to find a convenient location and continue care as their needs change. Why does this transition matter? For young adults navigating a new stage of life, healthcare can quickly fall down the priority list—especially when they feel healthy. Staying connected to care is essential. “It's important to continue to emphasize preventive healthcare and yearly well checks,” Dr. Carter said. “Young adults also need a primary care physician they can turn to with questions about their mental and physical health.”Gaining independence
One of the biggest adjustments during this handoff is who takes the lead. “In adult care, the physician speaks directly to their patient. A parent can still be present or involved, but the young adult becomes the primary decision-maker,” Dr. Carter said. That shift doesn’t happen overnight. Preparing early helps teens feel more confident managing their health, including having time alone with their provider to ask questions and speak openly. Families can support their teen’s independence by creating space for honest conversations at home too. “Important discussions include topics like sexuality and vaccines. It’s essential that teens and young adults are aware of their options,” said Dr. Carter. As teens begin to play a more active role, parents and caregivers naturally step back. “Caregivers should start allowing teens to answer questions asked by their provider and take the lead in any discussions, only filling in information when needed,” Dr. Carter said.Avoiding gaps in care
Without a clear plan, it’s easy for care to fall through the cracks during this transition, especially around milestones like graduation. “Before transitioning care, make sure any medications are refilled for three to six months and schedule a new patient appointment with an adult provider as soon as possible,” Dr. Carter said. Establishing care early helps ensure there’s no disruption and gives teens a provider they can rely on as their needs evolve.Building habits for life
The move to adult primary care is also a chance to reinforce habits that support long-term health. With guidance from care teams and support from parents and caregivers, teens can stay on top of annual checkups, ask questions and take an active role in their care. Families can also help by building everyday skills, from understanding medical history to managing prescriptions. Staying within a connected system like Wellstar can help simplify that process—making it easier to schedule appointments, access records and keep care on track as young adults take on more responsibility. These early habits make a lasting difference. Together, we can help young adults move into their next phase with confidence and a stronger sense of ownership over their health. Learn more about transitioning to adult primary care or find a provider near you.
Highlights
Commemorate Cancer Survivors Day with Wellstar
Wellstar supports people with cancer throughout their journeys, from early screenings to diagnosis to treatment. But our encouragement and dedication to delivering world-class, compassionate care doesn’t end in remission.
Across our system, Wellstar honors the bravery and strength of survivors every day, rejoicing in each milestone. This National Cancer Survivors Day, we are proud to pay tribute to the people who have conquered cancer and offer hope to those still fighting. This year’s Cancer Survivors Day theme—Saddle Up for Survivorship—exemplifies our commitment to being a steadfast source of encouragement for cancer survivors and fighters across Georgia.
Several Wellstar facilities will host events—and you can be a part of the celebration!
Northwest Georgia Oncology Centers in Cartersville
June 5
1 PM to 3 PM
65 Cloverleaf Drive, Cartersville
Contact Mary Ellen Smither at [email protected] or (678) 858-1146.
Wellstar Cobb Medical Center
June 5
12 to 2 PM
4040 Hospital West Drive, Austell
The event will be held in the parking lot across from Tranquility Hospice located at 4040 Hospital West Drive.
Contact Ashley Dapremont at [email protected] or (470) 732-4523.
Wellstar Douglas Medical Center
June 6
11 AM to 1 PM
6167 Prestley Mill Road, Douglasville
Douglasville First United Methodist Church
Contact Diane Harris at [email protected] or (470) 644-5411.
Wellstar Kennestone Regional Medical Center
June 5
11:30 AM to 2:30 PM
320 Kennestone Hospital Blvd., Marietta
Cancer Center
Contact Leena Augustine at [email protected].
Wellstar North Fulton Medical Center
June 6
2 to 4 PM
3000 Hospital Blvd., Roswell
Main lobby in hospital
Contact Sarah Bentley at [email protected] or (770) 751-2556.
Wellstar Paulding Medical Center
June 7
2 to 4 PM
144 Bill Carruth Parkway, Hiram
Atrium
Contact Kellie Mitchell at [email protected] or (470) 644-8106.
Wellstar Spalding Medical Center
June 5
10 AM to 12 PM
608 South 8th St., Griffin
Cancer Center
Contact Sherry Connell at [email protected] or (470) 935-5526.
Wellstar West Georgia Medical Center
June 5
10 AM to 12 PM
111 Medical Drive, LaGrange
Enoch Callaway Cancer Center
Contact Stephanie Hand at [email protected].
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Highlights
Wellstar Opens New Locations in Powder Springs
To serve our community’s growing healthcare needs, Wellstar has opened new urgent care and primary care locations in Powder Springs.
Urgent Care
If you’re dealing with a minor injury or illness or need care after your physician’s regular office hours, going to urgent care is often the right choice. Wellstar Urgent Care centers provide quick, convenient care for non-emergency medical conditions such as coughs, colds, sprains, broken bones and minor bites, burns and cuts. Visit our new location at:
Powder Springs
1064 Richard D. Sailors Parkway
Primary Care
Primary care is ongoing, comprehensive care and preventative medicine that helps you live a full, healthy life. Services include wellness exams, vaccinations, treatment for acute illnesses like flu and management of chronic conditions such as diabetes. Wellstar Primary Care treats patients 10 and older. Visit our new location at:
Powder Springs
1064 Richard D. Sailors Parkway
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