CHRISTUS CareLink: Secure Access to Patient EHR for Professionals

Accessing patient health information efficiently and securely is vital for healthcare professionals. CHRISTUS CareLink, also known as EpicCare Link, provides a dedicated web-based portal designed for external facilities and healthcare providers. This digital portal connects you directly to CHRISTUS Health's comprehensive Electronic Health Record (EHR) system, enabling streamlined patient care coordination.

This platform serves as your secure online account management system, offering a centralized hub to interact with patient data. Whether you're sending referrals, reviewing clinical documentation, or managing outpatient orders, CareLink ensures you have the necessary tools at your fingertips. Understanding its functions and secure practices is key to maximizing its benefits in your daily clinical workflow.

Preparing for Your Clinical System Entry

• Be an authorized external healthcare professional or work for an approved facility that requires access to CHRISTUS patient information.
• Access to a computer or mobile device with a reliable internet connection.
• A modern web browser with JavaScript and cookies enabled for optimal portal performance.
• An active MyCHRISTUS Username or Epic ID and a secure Password provided by CHRISTUS Health.

Entering the Clinical Data Portal Securely

1. Open your web browser and navigate to the official CHRISTUS CareLink login page at carelink.christushealth.org/Carelink/.
2. Locate the login fields and accurately enter your assigned MyCHRISTUS Username or Epic ID.
3. Type your secure Password into the designated password field.
4. If two-step verification is enabled for your account, you will be prompted to enter a code. This code will be sent to your registered email, phone number (via text message), or generated by an authenticator app.
5. Alternatively, if your device supports it, you may use a passkey, Face ID, or fingerprint for a quicker and more secure login.
6. Once your credentials are verified, you will gain entry to the clinical data portal.

Exploring Provider Tools and Patient Records

• Send and Receive Referrals: Streamline the referral process, ensuring faster and more efficient care coordination between providers and facilities.
• Submit Outpatient Orders: Easily place orders for lab tests and imaging studies directly within the CHRISTUS system for your patients.
• Access Clinical Documentation: Review detailed clinical notes, billing charges, and coding information essential for accurate record-keeping and billing processes.
• View Patient Health Records: Conveniently access vital patient information, including test results, progress notes, and procedural notes.
• Communicate Securely: Send HIPAA-compliant messages to other providers and users within the platform, fostering secure collaboration.
• Request Medical Records: Initiate requests for specific medical records and view released reports directly through the portal.

When Access to the EHR is Blocked

Ensuring Patient Data Confidentiality in CareLink

• 🔒 Always use a strong, unique password for your CareLink account. Ensure it combines uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols.
• 🔒 Utilize two-step verification by linking your account to your email, phone, or an authenticator app. This adds a critical layer of defense against unauthorized access.
• 🔒 Consider using passkeys, Face ID, or fingerprint login on your compatible devices for enhanced security and convenience.
• 🔒 Be cautious of phishing attempts. Only access the CareLink portal through the official URL: carelink.christushealth.org/Carelink/. Never click on suspicious links from unsolicited emails or messages.
• 🔒 Log out of the portal when you finish your session, especially on shared computers, to protect patient data confidentiality. Ensure the digital portal session is always closed properly.

Direct Responses to Professional Access Queries