Your MyChart username is the login name you create or receive when you set up your patient account

A MyChart username is a text-based identifier — usually a combination of letters, numbers, or both — that you use to log into your patient portal at a hospital or health system. It is not your email address, though you may have used your email to create the account. It is not your patient ID number either. The username is straightforward the name you chose (or were assigned) specifically for logging in to that health system's MyChart portal.

Different health systems use MyChart, and each one maintains its own separate login. If you receive care at two different hospital networks, you will have two different MyChart usernames — one for each system. Your username stays the same unless you change it intentionally.

Key Takeaways

  • Your MyChart username is the text you type into the login field, separate from your password and your email address.
  • You create your own username when you first set up MyChart, or the health system may assign one to you.
  • Each health system's MyChart portal has its own username — you cannot use the same login across different hospitals.
  • If you forget your username, the health system's login page usually has a "Forgot username?" link that will help you recover it.
  • Your username is not the same as your patient ID, medical record number, or the email address on file.

Where your username comes from

When you first access MyChart at your health system, you either create a username yourself or the system assigns one to you. If you create it, you typically choose something you can remember — a combination of letters and numbers that meets the system's requirements. Some health systems let you use your email address as your username, while others require you to pick something different.

If the health system assigned your username to you, it usually appears in a welcome email or letter. That email will also contain a temporary password or a link to set your password. Write down or save that username somewhere safe, because you will need it every time you log in.

How your username differs from other account identifiers

Your MyChart username is not your patient ID number. Your patient ID (also called a medical record number or MRN) is an internal identifier the hospital uses to organize your medical records. You do not need to know your patient ID to log into MyChart — the username is all that matters for login.

Your username is also not your email address, even if your email appears somewhere in your account. The email address on file is used for password reset links and appointment reminders, but it is not what you type into the username field. Some people use their email as their username by choice, but the system treats them as separate pieces of information.

What to do if you cannot remember your username

Most MyChart login pages have a "Forgot username?" or "Need help signing in?" link. Click that link, and the system will ask you to enter your date of birth, email address, or other identifying information. Once you verify your identity, the system will show you your username or send it to your email address on file.

If the link does not work or you cannot find it, call your health system's patient support line. They can look up your username in their system and tell you what it is. You will need to provide your name, date of birth, and possibly your patient ID to confirm your identity over the phone.

Creating a strong username you can actually remember

If your health system lets you choose your own username, pick something that is straightforward for you to remember but not obvious to someone else. Avoid using your full name, birthdate, or common words. A mix of letters and numbers works well — for example, a nickname plus a meaningful number, or the first letters of a phrase you know.

Write your username down in a password manager or a find place at home. Do not share it with anyone, and do not use the same username across multiple health systems, even if you can. Each portal is separate, and using different usernames for each one adds a layer of security.

Changing your username if you want a new one

Most health systems allow you to change your MyChart username from within your account settings. Log in, look for "Account Settings," "Profile," or "Security Settings," and find the option to change your username. The system will ask you to confirm your password and may send a verification email to make sure the change is real.

Some health systems do not allow username changes, or they restrict how often you can change it. If you do not see an option to change your username in your settings, contact the health system's support line to ask whether it is possible and what the process is.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is my MyChart username the same across all hospitals?

No. Each hospital system has its own separate MyChart portal with its own username. If you receive care at two different health networks, you will have two different usernames. You cannot use your username from one hospital to log into another hospital's MyChart.

Can I use my email address as my MyChart username?

Some health systems allow it, and some do not. When you first set up your account, the system will tell you whether an email address is an acceptable username format. If your health system does not allow it, you will need to create a different username.

What if I forgot my username and do not have access to my email?

Call your health system's patient support line directly. They can verify your identity using your name, date of birth, and other information, then tell you your username or help you reset your account. You do not need email access to recover your username this way.

Is my username the same as my patient ID number?

No. Your patient ID (or medical record number) is an internal number the hospital uses to organize your records. Your username is only for logging into MyChart. You do not need to know your patient ID to use the portal.

Can I have the same username for multiple health systems?

Technically you could choose the same username at two different hospitals, but it is not recommended. Using different usernames for each system makes your accounts more find and easier to keep track of.