Your Health Records in the Digital Age
Doesn't it seem like everything is online today? And does that make you feel just a little bit...uneasy? If so, your fears may not be entirely irrational when it comes to health records. Personal Health Records, also known as PHRs, are part of an online system dedicated to collecting, tracking, and sharing your health information. The purpose? To give you the ability to access and modify your records for new medications, hospitalizations, vaccinations, etc., so they can be shared with whomever you please. PHRs are not Electronic Health Records (EHRs), which are maintained exclusively by health care providers.
The key thing you need to know about PHRs is that not all are protected by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). The HIPAA only protects your privacy when dealing directly with health providers, health plans, and health clearinghouses. If you're using a system sponsored by a third party, be careful! You may not be protected.
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Consumer Advocate
Known as The Savvy Consumer, Chris Bjorklund has been a Consumer Advocate for over 35 years. She has worked with KPIX-TV, KGO, The Better Business Bureau, Consumer Reports, and as an Investigator for the Consumer Fraud Unit of the San Francisco District Attorney's Office. Chris puts her incredible consumer experience to work for you!
