Health Gateway release notes

Last updated on August 21, 2024
We're continuously making improvements to Health Gateway. Below is a summary of changes.
 
Send your ideas or feedback to HealthGateway@gov.bc.ca

Recent updates:

August 20, 2024 – v2024.08.20 – Health Gateway Refresh

Health Gateway now has a new look and feel.  Once logged in, users may also notice a new URL (secure.healthgateway.gov.bc.ca).  The Health Gateway “classic” look remains available and can be accessed via a link in the top banner of the home page.

March 14, 2024 – v2024.03.14 - Diagnostic Imaging Reports 

We have expanded access to more types of imaging reports, which now include X-ray, CT, MRI, fluoroscopy, ultrasound, mammography, cardiology related reports, nuclear medicine, vascular labs and interventional radiology reports. Not all report types are available across all sites. Only reports from imaging procedures performed at public health authority facilities in September 2023 or later are available in Health Gateway.

February 6, 2024 – v2024.02.06 - BC Cancer Cervical Screening

We added access to BC Cancer Cervical Screening information so you can receive your results and reminder letters as soon as they are available. 

October 24, 2023 – v2023.10.24 - Diagnostic Imaging Reports

We added Diagnostic Imaging Reports for imaging tests that were performed at Public Health Authority facilities after September 1, 2023.  Note that imaging tests from private imaging facilities are not included.

October 3, 2023 - v2023.10.03 - Pharmacy Assessment Export, Lab Report Download button 

  • We updated the medication export to provide more clarity on records from the pharmacy system that are associated with pharmacist assessment. 
  • We updated the button label for lab reports so users understand where they can see the detailed results. 

August 28, 2023 - v2023.08.28 - Minor Enhancements 

  • We updated the landing page visuals and information about the various data available in Health Gateway. 

August 22, 2023 - v2023.08.24 - User Interface Update

  • We upgraded our user interface framework to a newer version and converted existing user interface elements to use new components. 

May 2, 2023 – v2023.5.02 – App Tour

  • We added an app tour which provides a quick highlight of key features. The app tour will be updated as new features are released.

March 16, 2023 – v2023.3.16 – Clinical Documents

  • We added clinical documents shared by care providers at specific locations in Vancouver Coastal, Providence and Provincial Health Services Authority. In the future, you'll be able to get documents from more locations and health authorities.

March 7, 2023 – v2023.3.07 – User Support Guide

  • We moved the FAQ page to another site. You will find the new support guide linked in the footer of the website.

February 16, 2023 – v2023.2.16 – Notification Centre

  • We added a notification centre where you will get notified about changes to the application. In the future, the notification centre will have alerts on health records and other services that you have opted in to.

January 18, 2023 – v2023.1.18 Hospital Visits

  • We added hospital visit information, which includes admission and discharge dates, location and provider for each visit.

 


Older updates:

 

2022

 December 7, 2022 – v2022.12.7

  • We implemented minor enhancements and bug fixes.

November 1, 2022 – v2022.6.10

  • We increased the size of the profile icon and added user initials to make it more distinct.

October 4, 2022 – v2022.6.8

  • We added links to the new immunization submission portal which allows you to submit immunizations to public health to update your records. The update includes a quick link on the home page.

September 20, 2022 – v2022.6.7

  • We updated and added more tutorial messages that provide helpful information when you log in to Health Gateway for the first time.
  • We updated the resource popovers for lab results to include links to reputable information about lab tests.

September 6, 2022 – v2022.6.6

  • We added a feature that provides guardian access to the federal proof of vaccination for their dependents.

August 23, 2022 – v2022.6.5 

  • ​We expanded dependent access to include immunizations from the Provincial Immunization Registry so you can view your child's vaccine records.

July 5, 2022 – v2022.6.2

  • We added filter badges to show you what filters you have applied, including data set, date range, and keywords.
  • We moved the pagination buttons to the bottom of the timeline page so you can navigate to the next page after scrolling down.

June 21, 2022 – v2022.6.1

  • We added a button for downloading lab reports so they are easier to access.
  • We updated the filter counts to show an accurate count of the records when filters are applied.
  • We updated the quick link for BC Vaccine Card so you can remove it if you want.

June 7, 2022 – v2022.6.0

  • We added a feature that allows you to review and accept the terms of service when they have been updated.

May 26, 2022 – v1.5.10.1

  • We added access to lab results for blood tests and other lab tests done in B.C.

May 24, 2022 – v1.5.10

  • We added available addresses to the profile page, so you can confirm that we have the most current information.

April 25, 2022 – v1.5.8

  • We updated the the landing page to provide better description of what to expect in the application, including some screenshots.

April 5, 2022 – v1.5.7

  • We updated the timeline cards in the desktop view so it is clear that they can be clicked to show more details.

March 9, 2022 – v1.5.5

  • We added the ability to add quick links to specific data sets to the home page, which will open the Timeline to a pre-filtered view.

February 9, 2022 – v1.5.3

  • We updated the error messages to provide more details about the issue you might be experiencing and how to get help.

February 2, 2022 – v1.5.2

  • We replaced the loading spinner with a loading alert so you can view your records as they are loaded into the Health Gateway timeline.

January 19, 2022 – v1.5.1

  • We updated the COVID test display to include with more clear messaging depending on your test results.
  • We added a feature which allows you to export notes that you have added to your profile as PDF or Excel files.
 

2021

December 15, 2021 – v1.4.17 
  • We added breadcrumb navigation to assist in moving around the application.
December 7, 2021 – v1.4.16 
  • We added login history in the profile page to show the last five logins.
  • We updated the sort order on record exports to default to most recent first.
  • We updated the dashboard tile order so the health records link is first.
October 29, 2021 – v1.4.14 
  • We added a downloadable pdf for the Canadian proof of vaccination.
October 13, 2021 – v1.4.13 
  • We updated the COVID Vaccine page to provide a separate view for the BC Vaccine Card and COVID vaccine details to make it easier to save and print.
September 13, 2021 – v1.4.11 
  • We added a feature to allow citizens to save a copy of their BC Vaccine Cards as images.
September 7, 2021 – v1.4.10 
  • We launched the BC Vaccine Card which provides citizens with a proof of vaccination that they can present to businesses. The BC Vaccine Card shows an indication of the vaccination status of the individual and has a QR code that can be scanned to verify their card.
August 13, 2021 – v1.4.8 
  • We added the ability for government call centre and Service BC agents to access and mail or print out COVID vaccine records to citizens.
July 29, 2021 – v1.4.7 
  • We added a button in the Timeline to launch the COVID Vaccine Card.
  • We updated the menu selection and moved the "add note" button.
July 14, 2021 – v1.4.6 
  • We updated the export document for all record types and added CSV and Excel options. These new formats will allow you to quickly sort and filter your health information.
  • We updated the landing page log in button to provide more clarity around the use of the BC Services Card mobile app for secure login to the Health Gateway.
  • We updated the Health Gateway app icon so the icon is visually distinct from your other apps and websites if you bookmark the page.
June 23, 2021 – v1.4.4 
  • We added a feature so we can post notices within the application in the top banner.
June 30, 2021 – v1.4.5 
  • We enhanced the document generation service for the medication record export. This will allow for better quality PDFs and other document format types in the future.
June 23, 2021 – v1.4.4 
  • We added a feature so we can post notices within the application in the top banner.
May 19, 2021 – v1.4.2 
  • We updated the tables within record exports so that they are easier to read and columns do not overlap.
May 12, 2021 – v1.4.1 
  • We added a resource centre which allows you to quickly launch the FAQ, Release Notes, and COVID Immunization Card if you've been vaccinated.
May 5, 2021 – v1.4.0 
  • We launched our Special Authority feature, providing access to the approval status for drugs requiring approval under specific medical circumstances.
  • We updated our icons and buttons to be consistent with our design system.
March 31, 2021 – v1.3.13 
  • We added the ability to exclude certain medications by brand name on the medication history export.
  • We updated the email verification flow to indicate when you've already verified your email.
  • We added an icon to be displayed when pdf attachments are available. The input for comments was moved to the bottom of the expanded timeline card page.
March 24, 2021 – v1.3.12 
  • We updated the profile page to add clarity on phone and email verification.
  • We added Health Visits which show 7 years of health visits, consultations and procedures billed to the Medical Services Program.
  • We updated the text filter so that immunization details such as product name, lot number and provider/clinic information are filterable.
March 17, 2021 – v1.3.11 
  • We started integration to a new data source to provide access to the status of special drug requests.
  • We updated the loading of immunizations to automatically add new immunizations to the timeline when they are available.
March 10, 2021 – v1.3.10 
  • We added date of birth to the COVID‑19 Immunization Card, to support identity validation.
  • We updated the date formats in the Health Gateway so that they are consistent and clear.
March 3, 2021 – v1.3.9 
  • We added an FAQ page which publishes the most frequent questions we've had about the application.
  • We added the ability to download a PDF copy of the COVID Immunization Card.
  • We added the ability to filter for words in the comments that are uploaded, so you can find them faster.
February 24, 2021 – v1.3.8 
  • We added an icon to records which have comments that you've added so you can quickly find them.
  • We added a details page which opens as a new pane for reviewing your record details.
  • We updated the filter menu as it has the option of changing timeline view to a calendar view.
February 17, 2021 – v1.3.7 
  • We updated the email verification flow to simplify the registration flow and minimize errors when verifying.
  • We added a COVID‑19 Immunization Card to provide a summary card of COVID‑19 vaccine doses, similar to the one provided at clinics.
  • We updated our error messages to include trace ID to better support troubleshooting with users.
February 10, 2021 – v1.3.6 
  • We moved the date pickers on the export records page to an advanced filter option, to streamline pdf generation.
  • We updated the navigation menu, moving the profile option to the header with the logout button.
February 3, 2021 – v1.3.5 
  • We updated the timeline view so more records are visible on a small screen, especially important for mobile screens.
  • We added the BC government logo to as a header for all of the PDFs that are generated in the Health Gateway.
  • We migrated our application to a newer platform which will provide improved performance.
January 27, 2021 – v1.3.4 
  • We launched our MSP visit feature, which will provide access to your last seven years of health visits billed to the Medical Services Plan, including GP and specialist consultations.
  • We updated our immunization records to include recommended future immunizations based on our BC immunization schedule and COVID‑19 immunization program. If you've received the first dose of your COVID‑19 immunization, you will see a recommended date for your next dose in both the health care timeline and export records pages.
January 20, 2021 – v1.3.3 
  • We added a colour fill and badge on the filter menu to highlight if filters have been applied. We also updated our date pickers, as the date format placeholder text wasn't visible on some platforms.
  • We added a pop-over to point users to the Export Records for downloading pdfs for their records. We also added the ability to clear the date picker and record type selected.
  • We created an offline mode for planned outages so that users know when we are doing maintenance on the application.
January 13, 2021 – v1.3.2 
  • We improved the phone verification flow from registration, so it is more obvious where to enter the verification code.
  • We are moving the application to an upgraded platform and have started preparing for the migration.
  • We enhanced our statistics so we can better understand usage of our application and continue improving the product.
January 5, 2021 – v1.3.1.7 
  • We updated the export records date picker and display of immunization records to show additional data.
 

2020

December 17, 2020 – v1.3.1.4 
  • We launched the feature which will allow Health Gateway users to view their immunization records, including COVID‑19 immunizations.
December 9, 2020 – v1.3.1.3 
  • We fixed a bug on dependent name validation and implemented the COVID‑19 Test Result record export.
December 8, 2020 – v1.3.1.2 
  • Updated field name to reflect Given Names needed when entering dependent's name.
December 7, 2020 – v1.3.1.1 
  • We launched the feature enabling parent access to their children's COVID‑19 results. This will allow parents to view results for their children under the age of 12.
December 3, 2020 – v1.3.0.4 
  • Following this team prep sprint, we planned for our upcoming release phase. We also cleaned up code, added test coverage and updated technical packages.
November 25, 2020 – v1.3.0 
  • During this sprint, in preparation for the next Health Gateway release phase, we upgraded components of our technology platform. We improved. We also performed regular code cleanup, and improved test coverage for our code.
  • We enabled non-photo BC Services card access for those over 19. This will support temporary residents and students of BC who need access to their COVID‑19 test results through the Health Gateway.
November 12, 2020 – v1.2.10 
  • We continued development to support parent access to their children's COVID‑19 results. This update will also enable parents to receive text notifications when the results are ready. Further work to complete this feature will require 2-4 weeks.
  • We started to preparation for a migration to the new upgraded OpenShift Container Platform environment where the Health Gateway application is hosted.
October 28, 2020 – v1.2.9 
  • We made some changes in our infrastructure to improve our application's performance under load.
  • We added an age check on registration. In an upcoming sprint, BC residents will be able to use non-photo BC Services Card to access their health infomration in the Health Gateway.
  • We started working on a feature which will allow parents to access their children's COVID‑19 results.
October 7, 2020 – v1.2.8 
  • We added a message for users trying to use unsupported browsers recommending use of modern web browsers.
  • We added counts to filter types and an ability to change the number of records per page.
  • We adopted a new functional testing tool which improves our automated testing of all Health Gateway features.
  • We remediated low severity security issues as identified in a recent vulnerability scan of our admin application.
September 28, 2020 – v1.2.7.3 
  • We fixed a bug which was causing record details to collapse when trying to expand.
September 25, 2020 – v1.2.7.2 
  • We fixed a bug causing reports with large numbers of medication records to generate blank pdf reports.
September 23, 2020 – v1.2.7 
  • We added a filter menu which expands and collapses, to free up space for content.
  • The links in the footer menu were updated, making it easier to find more information about the Health Gateway, such as release notes, contact information, terms of service and more.
  • We implemented the first iteration of our Reports section which will allow users to save pdf reports of their health records, starting with medication history.
September 10, 2020 – v1.2.6 
  • We implemented minor enhancements to the menu buttons and mobile menu.
  • This sprint included integration work with Immunization and Medical Service Plan billing systems. Data is now displayed in the Health Gateway development environment and final testing and validation will take place prior to production launch.
August 27, 2020 – v1.2.5.3 
  • This was a minor fix to the COVID‑19 Lab Result timeline entry, to show a more descriptive title, rather than the type of test administered.
  • The mobile menu was updated to show an "X" to close the menu.
August 26, 2020 – v1.2.5 
  • To support the COVID‑19 response, the Health Gateway will now provide access to COVID‑19 test results for BC residents. This feature includes a notification via SMS/Email that the COVID‑19 result is available.
  • We enhanced the date picker for the calendar to be easier to use.
  • Upon logout, users will now be asked to provide a star rating.
  • We implemented the first iteration for our Health Insights page to support users in understanding patterns in their health care.
August 13, 2020 – v1.2.4.2 – Hotfix to add Google Verification for Search Console
August 12, 2020 – v1.2.4 
  • The landing page was updated to provide some clarity around available data in the Health Gateway and goals to be realized through future features.
July 29, 2020 – v1.2.3 
  • We implemented features that now allow users to navigate within the calendar month view by adding a date picker. Note that only months and years with health records can be selected, enabling faster discovery of health records. Also, when a user toggles between month and list view, the date context remains. That is, a user can flip back and forth between the two views while staying on the same relative date range.
  • The Health Gateway team can now send communication emails to users.
  • The remaining code for HNClient, an application used for the previous dispensed medication integration has now been removed. Any associated technical debt is no longer affecting Health Gateway.
July 15, 2020 – v1.2.2 
  • As the Health Gateway could potentially display numerous records for users, we improved the navigation from the month calendar. You can now click on the icon on a specific date and be taken to the list view for details.
  • The sidebar menu has been updated to show sub-menu items to minimize clutter and only show buttons in the context of the page they are relevant to (Timeline and Profile).
  • The "Notes" feature of the site will show a popover with a brief description of what the feature can be used for.
  • The loading spinner was enhanced to convey to the user that records are being fetched.
  • Finally, token storage was enhanced to allow for larger access tokens in cookie storage.
July 6, 2020 – v1.2.1.1 
  • We implemented a fix to allow user to enter protective word correctly.
July 3, 2020 – v1.2.1 
  • We implemented a feature which will allow us to post banner messages to be displayed on the landing page, such as important updates.
  • Improvements to the user interface include updates to the timeline cards and renaming the "Notes" filter to "My Notes" for clarity.
June 26, 2020 – v1.2.0.2 
  • This hot-fix implemented improvements to the medication query, to address lengthy loading times and occasional timeouts.
June 23, 2020 – v1.2.0.1 
  • We improved our logs to assist with debugging.
May 4, 2020 – v1.1.8.1 
  • Users of the Health Gateway can now see the full history of medications in the PharmaNet system, as far back as 1996. Due to system limitations, the Health Gateway returns up to 20,000 dispensed medication records.
April 29, 2020 – v1.1.8 
  • Security - To close out our final sprint for Release 1.1, the Health Gateway team ensured compliance with government security standards as we transition to our enhanced medication service.
  • Communications - We added a communication module for Health Gateway administrators, enabling the ability to add scheduled banner posts to the landing page.
  • Profile Menu - To maintain consistency for users using the menu, we added links to the menu for users who are on the profile page.
April 22, 2020 – v1.1.7.1 
  • Fixed error associated with pagination counts which was resulting in issues with loading of the application.
April 15, 2020 – v1.1.7 
  • User Interface Enhancements - As new functionality is continually developed, the application menu was revamped to allow for easy navigation, with features accessible from the menu. We also added a pagination feature for those with large numbers of records.
  • User Support - To better support our users, we added an email management feature which will allow the Health Gateway team to resend emails, such as Beta Invites for wait listed users. The feedback form has been updated to allow users to provide feedback and have their questions answered. When messages are sent through this contact form, the Health Gateway team will be able to respond via email.
March 31, 2020 – v1.1.6 
  • Enhanced Medications - We have end to end functionality on our new medication service, with the same look and feel, but for most users, the list of dispensed medications will be more comprehensive than the current 14 month view. This feature will be finalized and deployed in the next sprint or two.
  • New Feature: Timeline Filters - We built filters for the health care timeline which allow you to filter between Medications and Notes and any future data sets.
  • Printing - User feedback suggested that a print function would support consultations, as patients often have bring notes on paper to review with their care providers during their appointments. This is the first iteration of the print feature and produces printout of what is displayed on the timeline. Users can select filters and then print as needed.
March 17, 2020 – v1.1.5 
  • New Feature: Patient Notes - Based on early feedback and interviews, users expressed a common desire to be able to add their own notes. In this sprint, we are releasing the first iteration of Patient Notes, a simple free text entry into the Health Care Timeline. Users can add, edit and delete notes and if they close their accounts, the notes are deleted from the application.
  • Enhanced Medications - We did further development to enable viewing of the full medication history, currently limited to 14 months. We expect this enhanced medication list to be available in a coming sprint.
  • Admin Dashboard Stats - As more British Columbians register and start using the Health Gateway, we want to monitor the stats so we can best support the growing number of users.
March 3, 2020 – v1.1.4 
  • Terms of Service: We added a feature which will notify users via email when the Terms of Service has been updated. Users who are logging in for the first time since the Terms of Service have been updated will see a banner notifying them of the update when they login.
  • Account Closure: We added a feature which allows users to close their Health Gateway account from the profile page. If a user clicks on the "Close My Account" link, their account will be deactivated for 30 days, during which they can recover the account. After 30 days has elapsed, the user's account and personally entered information (once note feature is implemented) will be removed permanently.
  • This release also includes minor fixes for the Administration Module of the Health Gateway.

We plan on developing a Patient Notes feature next, allowing users to add their own relevant health information. An updated Terms of Service will be released when the Patient Notes feature is ready. As mentioned above, Patient Notes will be deleted if a user chooses to close their account.

February 19, 2020 – v1.1.3 
  • Initial work on providing Immunization data.
  • Administration module to manage client feedback.
  • Administration module fixes.
February 5, 2020 – v1.1.2.5 
  • Fixed registration error for beta users.
February 4, 2020 – v1.1.2.4 
  • Users will receive a confirmation email after joining the beta wait list.
  • Email removal feature is now more prominent in the user profile.
  • HealthLink card directs users to HealthLink BC and 811 Service.
  • Administration module created to provide access to job scheduler and manage the wait list.
January 23, 2020 – v1.1.2.1 
  • Implemented fixes for federal and provincial drug loader programs.
January 21, 2020 – v1.1.1 
  • Added search filter to allow users to search for specific medications and prescribing physicians.
  • Added user profile, where users can see their name and change/remove their email.
  • Deployed beta user queuing, enabling those interested in joining as early users to authenticate with the BC Services Card and add their email to the wait list.
January 13, 2020 – v1.1.0 
  • Added authentication error warning and redirect.
  • Added Health Gateway to Google Search Console for analytics.
  • Upgraded build agents to .NET 3.1 from .NET 2.1.
 

2019

December 10, 2019 – v1.0.1 
  • Email not verified bug fixed to disappear after email has been verified.
December 6, 2019 – v1.0
  • Launched minimum viable product, providing group of patient partners with access to their medication dispense history over the last 14 months.
  • BC Services Card used for sign-on, meeting the standard for Level 3 Identity Assurance (In-person/Virtual Identity Proofing and 2-Factor Authentication).