How Do I Access My Medical Records and Test Results Online?

Ontario is gradually moving toward digital health, and more patients now have the option to view their medical records, test results, and appointment information online through secure patient portals. However, the system is not yet fully connected, which means you may need to use different portals depending on where you receive care. Currently in Ontario, only MyChart allows health records from multiple institutions to be uploaded into the patient's health record . Understanding which portals are available, how to sign up, and what information you can access can help you take a more active role in managing your health. This guide walks you through the most common patient portals in Ontario and how to get started with each one.

What is a patient portal and why should I use one?

A patient portal is a secure online tool that gives you access to your personal health information from the comfort of your home. Through a portal, you can typically view test results like bloodwork or imaging reports, read clinical notes and discharge summaries from hospital visits, see upcoming appointments, and in some cases, message your healthcare team or request prescription refills. Using a patient portal helps you stay informed about your health, prepare for appointments with your doctor, track changes over time, and share important information with specialists or family members when needed. Portals use the same level of encryption and security as online banking, so your information remains private and protected.

Which patient portals are available in Ontario?

Ontario does not have a single unified patient portal that covers all healthcare providers across the province. Instead, different hospitals, hospital networks, and labs operate their own portals. MyChart, developed by Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, is a renowned portal providing patients with access to a wide range of medical data. It allows individuals to view test results, diagnostic imaging reports, clinical notes, and upcoming appointments . MyChart is used by more than 40 hospitals across Ontario and is one of the most widely adopted patient portals in the province. MyCareCompass is a free portal by LifeLabs allowing you navigate your health and wellness. View results, book appointments, check-in, browse medical articles, shop marketplace and more . ConnectMyHealth is a newer patient portal available to residents in southwest Ontario who receive care at participating hospitals in that region. The landscape can feel fragmented, but understanding which portals serve which areas can help you access the information you need.

How do I sign up for MyChart?

To register for MyChart at Mount Sinai or Hennick Bridgepoint, you will need a unique four-digit PIN. This PIN is used for one-time registration and must be validated before you can create a username and password . You can request your MyChart PIN by providing your email address and OHIP card number at your next outpatient appointment, during a hospital admission, or at the registration desk in the emergency department. Once you receive your PIN by email within 24 to 36 hours, you can visit the MyChart website or download the MyChart app from the Apple App Store or Google Play and complete your registration. The correct app is the one with the white heart on a red folder . After setting up your username and password, you can log in anytime to view your health information from any participating MyChart hospital.

Which Toronto hospitals use MyChart?

MyChart is widely used across Toronto and the Greater Toronto Area. Major hospitals that offer MyChart include Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Mount Sinai Hospital, Sinai Health, University Health Network hospitals like Toronto General and Toronto Western, The Ottawa Hospital, Lakeridge Health, and many others. 19 hospitals are currently using MyChart, a patient health record developed by Sunnybrook in 2006. In addition, all hospitals in southwest Ontario are in the process of adopting MyChart . If you receive care at multiple MyChart hospitals, you can merge your records from different sites into a single account, making it easier to see your complete health information in one place. To find out if your hospital uses MyChart, check their website or ask at the registration desk during your next visit.

What information can I see on MyChart?

MyChart gives you access to a wide range of medical information from participating hospitals. Look up selected clinical information - lab results, medical imaging reports, and clinical notes (including progress reports, discharge summaries, operative reports, etc.) are all available online . You can see details of upcoming appointments and in some cases pre-check-in for them, view prescribed medications, and access immunization records. Within MyChart, you can also access your provincial lab records by selecting the Ontario Laboratories Information System tab and view your test results from hospitals, community labs and public health labs from more than 150 organizations across the province . This integration with the provincial lab system is a significant advantage of MyChart, as it consolidates lab results from many different sources in one place.

How do I access my LifeLabs test results online?

Formerly my results, MyCareCompass is a digital health portal that allows you to view results, book appointments and access insightful information to guide your health journey. Most results are available on MyCareCompass within 24 to 48 hours after visiting participating labs throughout Ontario . To sign up for MyCareCompass, visit the MyCareCompass website for Ontario, create an account using your email address, name, phone number, and address, and then register your Lab Visit Number, which you receive from LifeLabs staff when you have bloodwork done. Once registered, you can log in to view your test results as soon as they are available. MyCareCompass also allows you to book future LifeLabs appointments and check in online to reduce wait times at patient service centres.

Can I add family members to my patient portal account?

Yes, most patient portals allow you to share access with family members or caregivers under certain conditions. MyChart users can electronically delegate access to caregivers, hospital clinicians, primary care physicians, home and community care providers and pharmacists . For children under 12, parents or legal guardians can manage their children's information from their own MyChart account. However, for children aged 12 and older, privacy laws protect their right to keep certain health information private, so they typically need their own separate account. Parents and guardians are not able to register to view reports for a person under the age of 18 in Ontario on MyCareCompass. To obtain a copy of your child's test results from LifeLabs, you need to speak directly with your child's healthcare provider.

Why can I not see all my medical records in one place?

Ontario's health system is decentralized, which means different hospitals, clinics, and labs use different electronic health record systems that do not always communicate with each other. If patients have to log into three different portals, that becomes confusing. It's up to the Ontario government to provide the regulatory framework so that existing patient health records can be better integrated . While MyChart has made progress by allowing records from multiple MyChart hospitals to be merged into one account and by integrating provincial lab results, records from family doctors' offices, walk-in clinics, and non-MyChart hospitals are not automatically included. This means you may need to keep track of multiple logins or request paper copies of records from providers who do not yet offer online access.

What is the difference between patient portals and clinical viewers?

Patient portals like MyChart and MyCareCompass are designed for patients to access their own health information. Clinical viewers like ClinicalConnect and ConnectingOntario ClinicalViewer are tools used by healthcare providers to view patient records from multiple hospitals and data sources when providing care. ClinicalConnect is a secure web-based portal that provides physicians, clinicians and their authorized staff with real-time access to their patients' electronic medical information, including historical data, from all 72 acute care hospitals, Ontario's Home & Community Care Support Services and oncology centres in South West Ontario . Patients do not have direct access to clinical viewers, though these tools help ensure that doctors and nurses can see your complete health picture when treating you, even if you have received care at multiple locations.

Are my medical records private and secure on patient portals?

Your personal health information in MyChart is stored and maintained in Ontario and is encrypted for top security. MyChart has been reviewed for compliance with Ontario's Personal Health Information Protection Act (PHIPA) and other related legislation . All patient portals in Ontario must follow strict privacy laws that protect your health information. Access to your records is controlled through secure usernames, passwords, and in many cases, two-step verification that sends a code to your email or phone when you log in. Only you and people you explicitly give access to can view your information. You should never share your portal login credentials with anyone, and if you suspect your account has been compromised, contact the portal support team immediately to reset your password.

What should I do if I cannot sign up for a patient portal?

If you are having trouble signing up for a patient portal, the first step is to contact the support team for that specific portal. For MyChart, you can call the MyChart support line at your hospital or email the support address listed on the hospital's website. For questions about sign-in, PIN codes or other technical issues with MyChart, please call Support at 1-833-221-2202 . For MyCareCompass issues, you can contact LifeLabs support. Common reasons for signup problems include not having a recent visit on file, using an incorrect OHIP number or email address, or trying to register before your hospital has enabled MyChart access for your account. Support teams can walk you through the process and troubleshoot any technical issues you encounter.

Can I access my medical records if I do not have internet at home?

If you do not have reliable internet access at home, you still have options for accessing your medical records. Many public libraries in Toronto and across Ontario offer free internet access and computers you can use. You can also ask a family member or trusted friend to help you set up and access your patient portal account. If online access is not practical for you, you can request paper copies of your medical records directly from the hospital, clinic, or lab where you received care. There may be a small fee for copying and mailing physical records, but healthcare providers are required by law to provide you with access to your own health information when you request it.

What if my test results are not showing up on the portal?

There are several reasons why test results might not appear on your patient portal right away. You will see your test results on MyChart once they are finalized and scheduled for release . Some tests take longer to process than others, and complex tests may require additional time for analysis and review by specialists. In some cases, your doctor may choose to release certain results only after speaking with you directly, especially if the results require explanation or follow-up care. Results of tests you have outside of the hospital will not be seen on your MyChart Central East Ontario account. For example, you will not see blood work you have at a community lab on MyChart Central East Ontario . If you are expecting results and they have not appeared after a reasonable time, contact your doctor's office or the lab directly to ask about the status.

Can I use patient portals to communicate with my doctor?

Some patient portals are beginning to offer messaging features that allow limited communication with your healthcare team, but this functionality is not yet widely available across Ontario. Beginning on June 2, 2025, some outpatient clinics may start sending their patients messages in MyChart. If your provider or care team sends you a message in MyChart, you will receive notice by email or text that you have a new message in MyChart. You will be able to reply to messages you receive for up to 2 weeks. At this time, patients cannot initiate new messages to their care team . Most patient portals are still primarily designed for viewing information rather than two-way communication. If you have questions or concerns about your test results or health, it is usually best to call your doctor's office directly or schedule an appointment.

Key tips for accessing your medical records online

• Find out which portals your healthcare providers use: Ask at your next hospital visit, lab appointment, or doctor's office which patient portals are available to you.
• Sign up as soon as you can: The sooner you register, the sooner you will have access to current and future test results and medical information.
• Keep your login information secure: Use a strong password, enable two-step verification if available, and never share your portal credentials with anyone.
• Check the portal regularly: Test results and medical notes are often available before your next appointment, giving you time to prepare questions for your doctor.
• Merge MyChart accounts if you see multiple hospitals: If you receive care at more than one MyChart hospital, follow the instructions to merge your records into a single account.
• Contact support if you have trouble: Portal support teams are available to help you register, troubleshoot login issues, and answer questions about accessing your information.
• Request paper copies if needed: If online access is not practical for you, you have the right to request physical copies of your medical records from any healthcare provider.

Accessing your medical records and test results online in Ontario is becoming easier as more hospitals and labs adopt patient portals. While the system is not yet fully connected, portals like MyChart and MyCareCompass give you valuable access to your health information and help you stay informed about your care. Whether you are managing a chronic condition, following up on test results, or simply want to keep track of your health over time, taking the time to sign up for available patient portals can give you more control and confidence in your healthcare journey.

If you're looking for family doctors, walk-in clinics, or community health centres in Toronto that can help you understand and manage your health information, you can search by neighbourhood to find care options near you.