“The more you use it, the more you benefit. There really is no downside.”
MyChart by myPennMedicine and Liver Transplant
Steve Reed is a liver transplant patient who is in the process of being added to the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) waiting list.
Steve took some time to share how the online portal MyChart by myPennMedicine has been helpful for him and aids transplant patients who are awaiting liver transplant. Steve also offers some advice for other liver transplant patients who are considering enrolling in this free online service.
When did you first learn about MyChart by myPennMedicine?
I first heard about MyChart by myPennMedicine about two years ago from my Penn liver transplant coordinator as a way to monitor and communicate with staff.
found it helpful in making sure I don’t miss appointments and keeping track of all the tests that need to happen throughout the year to stay ready for listing and transplant.
As a liver transplant patient, what do you see as the most important benefits of MyChart by myPennMedicine?
Since I am about a two-hour drive from Penn, getting there for appointments, follow-up, etc. can be challenging, to say the least. So, one benefit is being able to connect with the liver transplant team in between visits, when it works with my schedule. Because I am still employed, my business hours mostly coincide with the hospital hours, which precludes me from timely responses to voicemail.
Another benefit of MyChart by myPennMedicine is the flexibility if offers. The “Contact Your Care Team” option allows me to work on communications with my health care providers before and after work hours and avoids having to call during business hours and leave voicemails back and forth.
Do you use MyChart by myPennMedicine for contact with providers outside of the liver transplant team?
Yes, I deal with the liver transplant team most of the time, but there are times when I need to speak with cardiology or other departments. When you have to speak with several different departments on the same day, it can be time-consuming on the phone. MyChart by myPennMedicine gives me one online portal to reach all of my Penn providers, which saves a lot of time.
What advice do you have for patients who haven’t enrolled in MyChart by myPennMedicine?
I encourage anyone to enroll. It’s easy to set up, and information stored there is easy to access and keep track of. The more you use it, the more you benefit. There really is no downside.