Your Health, At Your Fingertips

April 21, 2026

The way patients access their health information has changed significantly over the years, and at Mille Lacs Health System, one of the most valuable tools available today is the patient portal. Designed to provide secure, convenient online access to your health information, patient portals help individuals stay informed and connected to their care.

Our patient portal has been in place for quite some time, and over the past year or so we’ve made several enhancements to improve both access and communication. One of the most noticeable updates involves how quickly information is shared. Lab and radiology results are now released to the portal as soon as they are finalized - typically within 24 to 48 hours, if not sooner. This means patients may see results before their provider has had a chance to review them. Providers will review results and follow up through the portal if any next steps are needed.

Visit notes are also more accessible than ever. Once a provider completes and signs an office visit note, it is posted directly to the portal. This allows patients to revisit appointment details, including diagnoses, medications, and care instructions.

Secure messaging remains a key feature. Patients can send and receive non-urgent messages with their provider and care team, offering a convenient alternative to phone calls for follow-up questions or updates.

It’s important to note that there are two separate portals. The Clinic Portal includes information related to clinic visits, specialist care, rehabilitation services, surgeries, and operative reports. Patients can review medical records, test results, medications, and diagnoses, send messages to their care team, and manage personal information and family member access.

The Hospital Portal is used for hospital-based care, including emergency room visits, urgent care, and inpatient stays. Patients can view hospital medical records after provider review, including lab results, medications, diagnoses, and discharge instructions. This portal also allows patients to update personal information and manage authorized representatives.

Signing up for the patient portal is simple. Patients can enroll during a clinic appointment with nursing staff, complete a form with registration/scheduling staff, or call 320-532-2350 to request access. A valid email address is required to register, and it may take a couple of business days to receive login information. Patients who have not logged in for several years may need assistance resetting their password.

Families should also be aware that, in recent years, additional privacy protections have been put in place for teens. In accordance with Minnesota state law, patients ages 13 to 17 must complete a consent form to allow a parent or guardian access to their portal information.

Patient portals continue to evolve as a secure and convenient way to stay connected to your healthcare. With expanded features and faster access to information, they are an important part of managing your health.