Why should I get a Personal Health Record (PHR)?
People use PHRs in different ways. Many like the convenience of getting a doctor’s help and care online; some people like having instant access to all of their medical information; for others it is a way to connect with people who share experiences and ideas about dealing with a health problem.
- Save time: You can schedule appointments, refill prescriptions, or e-mail your doctor for instructions and advice. And, get your lab results online.
- Save money: Get advice or instructions online from your doctor or a nurse for a lower cost than an office visit. Save money by getting medication refills online and avoiding trips for supplies or services. Avoid the cost and trouble of repeat tests by sharing test results across doctors online.
- Stay healthy: You can track your exercise and diet or test results. Get help through a support group or website on a health issue you care about. Send your vital health signs -- like your blood pressure -- to your doctor from home through a health monitoring machine.
- Get better care: Your PHR keeps your records in one place; if you travel or see many doctors, you have easy access to your records, and so do your doctors. Use these services to avoid unnecessary treatment or delays in care.
- Care for a family member: Help aging parents or other loved ones with their medical needs -- like using medications correctly, staying on a treatment plan, or adjusting their meals/daily activities to control symptoms. These online services also are a way to connect with all the involved providers to be sure that they are up-to-date about a person’s medications and treatments. And, you can organize records for payments, set reminders for appointments, request medication refills and more.
Learn how to set up a PHR.
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