Cures Act Patient FAQ

What is the 21st Century Cures Act?

1. Patients have had the right to request and view their entire medical record since 1970. The 21st Century Cures Act added additional requirements for sharing electronic health information with patients. These requirements were finalized in the ONC Final Rule published May 1.
2. The act is intended to foster greater transparency and provide tools to help patients more easily access and understand their health information.

What is my provider required to do?

1. Providers are required to automatically release clinical notes and test results to the patient portal without delay.
2. Certain exceptions may apply based on regulation, such as risk of physical harm, privacy concerns, or behavioral health notes.
3. We believe transparency strengthens patient trust, engagement, shared decision making, and better use of healthcare services.

How can I obtain electronic access to my medical records?

1. Sign up for the patient portal at your next office visit or online.
2. Existing patients can create a new FollowMyHealth account by visiting HMG FollowMyHealth and selecting "Sign Up".
3. If you need help, call 423-857-2288.

What if I don’t understand what my provider put in my visit note?

• Providers often use medical terminology that may be unfamiliar to patients.
• You can send a secure message through the patient portal if you have questions about information in your notes.

I received a test result that concerns me. What should I do?

• We believe patients deserve access to their information as soon as it is available.
• Results and office notes may appear in the portal before your provider has reviewed them.
• Providers monitor charts for results and will contact you regarding any findings of concern.
• Some abnormal results may not be clinically significant, while others require additional context and discussion with your provider.
• If you have immediate concerns, send a message through the portal or call your clinic.