Personal Health Records

Illness is stressful enough. Navigating through different doctors and different health systems is an added burden.

Every time you visit your health care provider or a hospital, you will probably have some tests or imaging done. With Electronic medical records and advent of patient portals, it has become quite easy to access this information. However, it is important to remember that this is relatively a new transition from paper charts and some of your records are still buried in piles of papers somewhere. Also, different health systems do not have interface and hence they do not communicate with each other. So you could have seen a specialist doctor in next town over but his/her notes are not available to your internist and vice versa.

Keeping your own personal health record (PHR) allows you to actively and efficiently participate in your own care by providing vital information to your health care provider. It improves the quality of care you receive, cut down number of visits and unnecessary repetition of tests.

What is a PHR?
Your PHR is made up of many reports. The specific content depends on the type of ailments,it’s chronicity and healthcare you have received throughout your life.

Most health records include health history, physical exam notes, imaging, lab reports and immunization records.

I personally keep an Old fashion binder with important reports. Immunizations, imaging and labs are probably most important. While routine labs are very easy to repeat, specialized work up you had should definitely be kept for future. The way I look at it is this. We keep our home ownership documents, tax returns or insurance papers carefully compiled.We don’t just assume that because the IRS has it in their system, we do not need to preserve the tax returns. Similarly, it is best to be on top of information regarding your most important possession -i.e BODY.

When you need a PHR
By keeping your own records, you always have vital information available at your finger tips-even when you are travelling or if you change healthcare providers or your health care provider relocates or retires. It also helps you remain more engaged with the changing milieu of your body.
You can knowledgeably discuss your health, be aware of the trends of different aspects of your blood work. You are easily able to provide information to a new doctor even over the weekend.

Creating a PHR
To start your PHR, sign up for patient portals. This is the best way to have permanent access. You can easily print your records at home and file it.
Contact your healthcare provider’s office or the health information management staff at any hospital or facility where you received treatment and ask for an “authorization for the release of information” form.
Complete the form and return it, as directed. Some places do charge for copies.Your personal health record can be as simple as a file folder of records kept in your home. It can be kept in a home computer or external hard drive.

Top 10 PHR

1. Immunization records
2. Imaging records-x-ray, CT scan MRI/MRA, mammograms, ultrasounds
3. List of medications
4. List of doctors you see
5. Blood work
   6-procedures like colonoscopy, cystoscopy
6. Eye exam especially if you are diabetic