Your Health Records in the Digital Age

Doesn't it seem like everything is online today? And doesn't that make you feel just a little bit...uneasy? 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 patient, the ability to access and modify the your record 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 masterminds behind the PHR may not be the people you would expect — like, for instance, the hospitals. They can range from big names to no names, and they charge fees. Some of the third party sponsors are Microsoft's Health Vault, Google Health, or www.accessmyrecords.com.

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 with directly 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.

Here are some other issues related to PHRs. If the website is subpoenaed for legal issues, your records could be subpoenaed as well. And don't forget about site security — there's no guarantee you won't be hacked. Finally, remember that PHRs are Electronic Health Records (EHRs), which are maintained exclusively by health care providers. Don't mix these terms up.