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There are many new developments regarding electronic personal health records (ePHRs) and the ways they work vary. One type of ePHR system allows you to download forms to your home computer, where you can type information into the form and print it. The advantage of this type of system is that your data is maintained in the privacy of your computer (assuming you safeguard your computer). However, you may not be able to access the information if you are relocated due to a hurricane or other emergency. Using this type of system, you would want to plan ahead for how you will bring essential information with you. For example, you might save the information on a portable device you can carry with you in your purse or belt.
Other ePHR systems store your information on a secure Internet web site where you set up a password to prevent unauthorized access to your information. Again, you type information into a form and store it on your computer or print it. The advantage is that your data would be available to you if you have access to the Internet, wherever you are relocated in an emergency. Be sure to verify that the system provides a backup of records for disaster recovery.
Many electronic personal health record (ePHR) systems offer easy-to-use tools for organizing or visually tracking health information on a graph. Some allow consumers to communicate with their physicians for scheduling appointments, or with the pharmacy and physician when ordering prescription refills. Some ePHRs offer reminders for refills, appointments, and other health-related activities. Some offer health news and alerts. Some ePHRs can hold radiology reports, EKGs, and mammograms. Some systems are capable of uploading information from medical devices such as blood glucose monitors.
Consider choosing an ePHR with these features:
You may wish to discuss your choice of an ePHR system with your personal physician, especially if you are purchasing a service for a specific medical reason.
The federal Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality provides an informative on-line library about personal health records (PHRs) including Podcasts that explain the benefits of having a PHR, which are not only useful in an emergency but helpful when you move or change health care providers. Reviewing your PHR can be helpful in preparing for doctor visits and having specific questions to ask at hand.
For more personal health record information from AHRQ, visit them on the web at http://healthcare411.ahrq.gov/podcast.aspx?id=6.
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Another feature to look for in an electronic personal health record (ePHR) system, that is available through the Internet, are systems pre-populated with personal health information about you or your family that your health insurer or health care provider makes available to the system. Often these types of systems are sponsored by your health insurer or health care provider. They include information about health services you have received such as medications or doctor visits. Usually you have the option of adding information as well as just viewing the information that is sent to the system by your health insurer or health care provider.
More sophisticated systems can combine information about your health care from multiple health care providers (e.g., hospitals, pharmacies) for your use. This is known as “interoperability.” Again, you want to be sure you understand the privacy policies of the ePHR system regardless of who is sponsoring the web site.
It is important that you thoroughly read and understand the privacy policies of the electronic personal health record (ePHR) vendor or organization sponsoring the ePHR you are using on the Internet. You want to be sure that your information cannot be retrieved or used by any person or organization you do not want to have access to it, and you need to understand exactly what happens to your information if you decide to close your account. You should maintain legal ownership of your information. Ask whether you will be notified of any changes in privacy policies and review any changes carefully.
An important security feature is that the system can provide an audit trail of who has entered, accessed, or modified the information in the PHR. You should expect technical support to be available on a 24 hour basis. Be sure that the system gives you the ability to copy data to another device so you can carry it with you, if want this option in case of an emergency or for other purposes.
To ensure your protection, retain a copy of your ePHR policies and consider choosing an ePHR that, at a minimum, meets these security criteria: