Make Your Next Visit Easier With MyChart September 3, 2026 A few minutes spent updating your MyChart settings today can help make your next appointment easier, from receiving reminders to checking in when you arrive. Many patients use MyChart to view test results and message their care team. It also offers tools that can simplify the appointment process, including text notifications, online bill pay and e-check-in. “To get the most from MyChart, we encourage patients to turn on text notifications and set up online bill pay before their next visit,” said Jan Hull, Information Systems director of clinical design at Samaritan Health Services. “Those features help support e-check-in and make it easier to skip the front desk by using the ‘I’m Here’ arrival notification when you get to the clinic.” Start by Turning on Text Notifications Text notifications help you stay connected to important appointment updates and make it easier to use MyChart’s check-in features. To update your preferences: Select Account Settings in MyChart. Choose Communication Preferences. Turn on text messages (recommended) and email notifications. Patients who rely only on email may not see time-sensitive notifications right away. Text messages can help ensure appointment reminders and arrival notifications reach you when you need them. Set Up Online Bill Pay Setting up online bill pay is another important step before your next appointment. Once you’ve enabled paperless billing and added a payment method, you’ll be able to quickly pay pre-service copays and manage bills securely through MyChart. To get started: Select Billing in MyChart. Choose Get Started. Turn on Paperless Billing. Add a payment method under Manage Payment Methods. Taking a few minutes to complete this step before your appointment can help support a smoother check-in experience. Complete E-Check-In Before Your Visit After you’ve updated your communication preferences and set up online bill pay, you’re ready to take advantage of e-check-in. E-check-in allows you to complete many registration tasks and prepare for your appointment before you leave home. You can: Review and update personal information. Verify insurance details. Complete required forms. The more you complete ahead of time, the less there is to do when you arrive. What Is the “I’m Here” Notification? If you’ve fully completed e-check-in and have text notifications enabled, you’ll receive an “I’m Here” notification about 30 minutes before your appointment. When you arrive, simply select I’m Here to let clinic staff know you’ve arrived and are ready for your appointment. You will be able to skip the front desk and head directly to the waiting area. Need Help? Call MyChart support at 541-768-5765, or billing at 800-640-5339.
