What is U-Link?
U-Link is an internet portal that allows non-UWMC referring physicians and other licensed referring medical professional access to the medical records for the patients that they refer to us, or that we refer to them. U-Link provides access to the records of patients at UW Medical Center, Harborview Medical Center, and Seattle Cancer Care Alliance.
Who can sign up for a U-Link account?
A: This convenient, free service is designed specifically for referring physicians and other licensed healthcare professionals providing direct care, who have a registered NPI number.
How do I sign up for U-Link?
Download the U-Link enrollment form and print it out:
- Completely fill out and sign the U-Link form and return it via fax or mail (contact info is on the form).
- If you and the other providers in your practice want to share access to you patients’ medical records, you can sign up for a Group account by adding all of the providers to one U-Link enrollment form.
- U-Link staff will verify the credentials of the provider(s) submitting the form (usually takes up to one week) and will notify you when the account is set up, via e-mail.
Can providers share U-Link with others in their office?
Providers who sign up together with a group account can share access to each other’s patient records. However, only physicians and the other types of licensed providers may access U-Link. When you enroll in U-Link you will sign an agreement stating you will not share your user ID and password. NOTE: We anticipate expanded access to providers’ support staff to be available soon.
What are the benefits of getting access to U-Link?
U-Link allows you to follow your patient's progress by viewing the same electronic medical record that the physicians and medical staff of UWMC use.
- This will save you time in requesting and receiving faxed or mailed records. You can view the records as soon as they are uploaded to MINDscape, before they are authenticated, whereas printed records are not mailed or faxed until they are authenticated by the attending physicians (which can take up to two weeks to be received by mail or fax).
- You get access to the complete record so you can select the reports you want to see.
How long does it take to get reports, etc. onto U-Link?
Reports are available as soon as they are dictated, transcribed and uploaded, usually in 48 hours, although they are not authenticated until signed by the attending.
What kinds of records are available to me through U-Link?
Referring providers have access to the same records to which UWMC physicians and medical staff have access. This includes records such as:
- Lab results
- Dictated notes and transcripts
- Radiology reports and images
- Pathology reports
- Medication lists
To which patients do I have access with U-Link?
Providers can only access patients whom they have referred to us, or patients we have referred to them. Patients in the provider’s practice group can also be accessed if their group signs up for a U-Link group account.
What about patient’s radiology reports? Can I see the actual scans and reports?
You will have access to U-Link to UWMC’s PACs records, and can access scans and reports for radiology through U-Link’s PACs records.
Can I send or receive emails on U-Link?
There is currently no email service within U-Link; however, the latest version of U-Link has an optional set of emails which can be used to alert you when certain reports are available, such as admissions or discharges.
Are there any other services available on U-Link?
Yes, access to U-Link includes access to HealthLinks, the Health Sciences Library online resource with access to e-journals and databases available to UWMC faculty, staff, and students.
Can I print records that I get through U-Link?
Yes, records can be printed or copied as needed.
U-Link Contacts
To ask about U-Link or to request forms, please contact:
UW Medical Center
Physician Liaison
206-598-3473 UWMCPL@u.washington.edu
or
Harborview Medical Center
Program Coordinator, Transfer Center
206-744-8846 hmculink@u.washington.edu
For U-Link technical support, please contact our Help Desk at 206-543-7012 or mcsos@u.washington.edu