CommonSpirit in East Texas patient portal FAQs

Find answers to frequently asked questions regarding the recent changes to the patient portal experience for patients in East Texas.

St.lukes Memorial

Enhanced CommonSpirit Patient Portal FAQs

What do I need to do right now to access the enhanced version of the CommonSpirit Patient Portal?

Accessing the enhanced version of the CommonSpirit Patient Portal depends on the patient portals you used previously: 

  • If you used the original CommonSpirit Patient Portal:

    • You can access the enhanced patient portal with your existing original CommonSpirit Patient Portal login information (username and password).

    • Access the enhanced patient portal and download the mobile app (App Store or Google Play) to continue managing your care online!

    • Most of your historical health information will transfer to the enhanced portal following your next appointment. 

      • Linking your original portal with the enhanced CommonSpirit Patient Portal will provide you with more of your health information in one place. View instructions on how to link accounts.

    • If you used My OneCare or do not use any patient portal:

      • Create a new account with the enhanced version of the CommonSpirit Patient Portal.

      • Prior to your next appointment, you will receive an activation code or link, to use to sign up for the enhanced patient portal. View instructions on how to sign up and download the mobile app.

      • If you choose to create an account before you receive your activation message, view step-by-step instructions.

      • Most of your historical health information will transfer over to the enhanced portal following your next appointment. 

    • We can help you set up your CommonSpirit Patient Portal account if you need assistance.

Do I need to do anything before my next appointment? 

Please bring your insurance card and photo ID, as we may need to verify your information in our new system. Keep in mind that there may be extended wait times during this transition period.

Why did you make this change?

This change is an important step toward a unified patient portal for all CommonSpirit Health locations, ensuring your doctors stay connected and share information, no matter which CommonSpirit location you visit. This means you can manage your health easier - pay your bills, schedule appointments, and message your care team anytime, anywhere.

What exactly changed on October 31, 2026?

On October 31, 2026, CommonSpirit in East Texas transitioned to the new, enhanced version of the CommonSpirit Patient Portal. This is how you will access your health information, communicate with your care team and manage appointments going forward.

Why am I not able to message one of my doctors or care team members in the enhanced portal?

During the transition, some care team information may need to be updated before a doctor or another care team member appears in your enhanced portal. If you recently saw them and are not able to message them in the enhanced portal, please contact your doctor’s office for assistance. 

Is my doctor or care changing?

No. Your care team is not changing, only the way you access and manage health information online.

What exactly is adolescent proxy access?

Proxy access allows a parent or guardian to access certain health information and help manage their teen’s care online through the CommonSpirit Patient Portal. If you need proxy access for an individual who is not an adolescent, please contact your doctor’s office.

Can I still come to appointments with my child or talk with their care team?

Yes, you can still come to your child's appointments and talk to their care team. This proxy access update only changes how you manage your adolescent’s care online. 

I already have adolescent proxy access. Will I lose it?

No. If you previously had an adolescent proxy, it should still be in place.

How do I establish or re-establish adolescent proxy access?

Parents/guardians and patients without existing proxy access can contact their doctor’s office or clinic after October 31, 2026 to obtain access. 

 

How long will I be able to use the original CommonSpirit Patient Portal?

You will be able to view your historical health information in the original CommonSpirit Patient Portal for the time being. 

  • Online bill pay will also be accessible through your original portal for services received before October 31, 2026.

    • Please continue to use your current payment method for care received before October 31, 2026. For more information, please visit our bill pay page.

  • To continue to manage your care online, you need to use the enhanced version of the CommonSpirit Patient Portal. 

  • You can also link your original portal with your enhanced CommonSpirit Patient Portal to have more of your health information in one place. View instructions on how to link accounts.

Will I lose access to my medical records?

No. You will still be able to view your historical information and pay bills for care received before October 31, 2026 in your original CommonSpirit Patient Portal for the time being. Following your next care appointment, new health information—such as appointments, test results and messages—will appear in the enhanced version of the CommonSpirit Patient Portal.

How can I refill my prescriptions during this transition time?

During this transition period, please call your pharmacy to refill your prescriptions. Following your next appointment after October 31, 2026, you will be able to request refills in the enhanced CommonSpirit Patient Portal and Mobile App.

I have an upcoming hospital stay. Will I be able to track my care while at the hospital or emergency departments?

Yes. With the enhanced CommonSpirit Patient Portal, we have introduced the MyChart Bedside feature, which keeps you informed and involved in your care during your hospital stay. With MyChart Bedside you can use the enhanced CommonSpirit Mobile App to stay connected with your care every step of the way

During your hospital stay, you can use MyChart Bedside to:

  • View your daily schedule

  • Track medications, test results and more

  • Message your care teams

  • Access educational material

If you have an upcoming hospital stay, make sure you have the enhanced CommonSpirit Mobile App to manage your stay with us. The MyChart Bedside features will appear in your app when you register for your stay.

After your hospital stay, your information from MyChart Bedside will be available in your enhanced CommonSpirit Patient Portal and Mobile App.

 

How will I pay bills for visits before October 31, 2026?

You can continue to view your historical health information and pay your bills in your original CommonSpirit Patient Portal for care you received before October 31, 2026. View the bill page for more information.

My enhanced CommonSpirit Patient Portal account shows I have a balance of $0, is that accurate? 

The enhanced CommonSpirit Patient Portal account only shows balances for care received after October 31, 2026. If you have bills for care received before October 31, 2026, those will not appear in your enhanced portal. You will need to continue to use your current payment method (i.e., legacy portal, by mail or phone) to pay for bills for care received before October 31, 2026. 

What if I don't want to use the new portal?

You can continue to manage your care by calling your doctor’s office directly. If you want to manage your care online, you will need to use the enhanced version of the CommonSpirit Patient Portal account.

What if I don't have access to technology?

You can always access your health information and manage your care by contacting your care team’s office directly. We are committed to ensuring everyone has access to the care and information they need, regardless of their technology preferences.

Will my private health information be safe?

Yes. We take your privacy very seriously. The patient portal uses secure, industry-standard technology to protect your personal health information. Only you and your authorized caregivers can access your account, and all data is encrypted to prevent unauthorized access. 

I still have questions. Where can I get help?

We’re here for you. You can:

  • Speak to your clinic team during your next appointment.
  • Visit our patient portal page for more information.

 

Notice: "Find a Doctor" is provided by CommonSpirit Health as a convenience to you. The information on each participating doctor is submitted to CommonSpirit Health by each doctor and is not independently verified by CommonSpirit Health. Each doctor is solely responsible for the completeness and accuracy of the information listed about him or her. CommonSpirit Health is not responsible for any loss or damages caused by your reliance on the doctor information contained on Find a Doctor. You should telephone the doctor's office in advance to verify the accuracy of the information.