Sentara Healthcare has made another step in its mission to improve health care access.

Users of Sentara MyChart, an online program that allows patients to access test results, schedule appointments, communicate with their doctors and more, now can get the program on the MyChart app for iPhones, iPads and iPod Touches.

The remote access offers some of the functionality of full MyChart web access. Using the app, patients can:

• View test results;
• Send and receive medical advice messages;
• View upcoming appointments, cancel appointments, view locations and directions for appointments, view visit summary for prior appointments;
• View preventive care items and when they are due;
• Access health summaries, including allergies, immunizations and problem/condition lists;
• View medication list and information;
• Gain proxy access to help manage care for a family member.

The app is powered by Epic and has already been introduced in other parts of the country. According to Epic, about eight million patients across the country use MyChart. Sentara is the first system in this region to offer the free app to patients.

To protect patients’ personal information, the app uses the same type of security measures as mobile banking apps. Users log in each time they access the system with an ID and password.

Sentara MyChart is one part of the Sentara eCare program. More than 51,000 area residents currently use the MyChart patient portal.

For more information on MyChart, eCare, the app and other Sentara services, visit www.sentara.com.