In the United States, the shift from paper‑based charting to electronic health records began in the early 1990s, spurred by federal incentives and growing IT capacity. Early systems stored data on isolated servers, but they lacked patient‑facing interfaces. By the turn of the millennium, a handful of hospitals experimented with web portals that let individuals view lab results, appointments, and messages—laying the groundwork for modern MyChart platforms.
Bayhealth, a regional network serving southeastern Delaware, launched its own MyChart portal in 2014 after pilot testing demonstrated improved appointment adherence and patient satisfaction. The initial login required only a simple username and static password, which quickly exposed vulnerabilities as cyber threats grew. Over the following years, Bayhealth layered two‑factor authentication, single‑sign‑on with its employee intranet, and adaptive risk checks, culminating in the 2022 “Simplify Login” overhaul that balances ease of use with stringent security.