Personal Health Records

Personal health records are the new means for storing your health records. There is no need to keep paper records anymore. Instead, PHR systems are embedded in doctor's offices and health care facilities and you will have an electronic version of the paper trail available to you.

The development of PHRs sponsored by health insurance plans run the continuum from records populated by members only to those populated by medical and pharmaceutical claims data and physician input to the more sophisticated PHRs, combining medical and health information from both members, providers and claims data. The more mature PHRs also link to self-management tools designed specifically for members with chronic disease and critical risk factors, such as smoking or obesity, and provide a communication vehicle between physician and patient. If you are still unsure refer to this article: who needs personal health records?

Personal health records are not the same as electronic health records (EHR) or electronic medical records (EMR), which are owned and operated by doctors' offices, hospitals or health insurance plans. Unfortunately, not many doctors' offices use these systems yet and those that do often limit your access to and control of your medical record.

There are many companies that provide PHR tools ranging from your employer to health insurance provider to software giants such as Google and Microsoft.

Benefits of Personal Health Records

Better Record Keeping: Your records will be safe from theft and accidental loss. You can easily back up your data and secure it from unintended usage. Unlike paper records, you don't need to find room and keep re-organizing your files. Electronic records hardly need any shelf space. You can save them on your hard drive and keep it online if you wish.

All in one place: You can keep your medical, dental and other health related information one place where it is easily accessible. What is more convenient is that you can keep your entire families records in place. Moreover you can search them easily using your computer.

Better quality of care: PHRs enable continuous, comprehensive care with better coordination between patients, physicians and other providers.

Efficiency in the process: More efficient delivery of care. PHRs help avoid duplicative testing and unnecessary services. They provide more efficient communication between patients and physicians.

Savings for patients and hospitals: Improved documentation brought about by PHRs can decrease malpractice costs. PHRs' ability to reduce duplicative tests and services will help patients avoid unnecessary procedures and hence less expenses.