The personal health record: it is increasingly important for everyone

Health care is undergoing rapid and fundamental changes. Increasing complexity, cost containment, and pending legislation are forcing patients into new roles in the delivery and management of healthcare. This requires knowledge, skills, and a Personal Health Record (PHR) that consolidates, supplements, and summarizes a lifetime of information. PHRs enable informed decision making by providing patient insights, emergency data, convenient reminders, and a foundation for improvement. Although they do require a commitment, after having one, it would be hard to live without them.

You may think you don’t need a personal health record…that it’s a waste of time.

This could hold true for anyone healthier and luckier than the rest. However, a personal health record (PHR) is like insurance. In a medical emergency, they can contain information to save a life by answering questions and allowing prompt and timely treatment. Other times, they help avoid duplication, fix bugs, and more. PHRs serve as reminders even for those with a good memory. As healthcare changes and people become empowered to manage their own care or need help from others, especially later in life, having a PHR is likely to become an even more important management tool. Gathering information and establishing a record is easier when done as soon as possible, little by little.

Doesn’t a PHR duplicate records that doctors, hospitals, labs, and pharmacies already have?

Health care providers have pieces of the puzzle, but more than 80 percent of records have yet to be digitized and accessible via the Internet. Providers lack information that only patients know; no one has a complete and comprehensive vision that is all in one place. When information is needed, it often takes an inordinate amount of time to find and retrieve data from different sources. We do not expect a PHR to contain all the minute details that providers collect. Instead, PHRs provide overviews with highlights of the “when,” “what,” “how,” “where,” and “why” associated with significant conditions, problems, and treatments. This gives providers a quick update without spending too much of your valuable time. Supporting details can be viewed and saved separately or obtained from original sources if needed and still available. However, do not always depend on others. We have experience with medical and hospital records that are lost and destroyed or only held for a limited period of time. This is especially true when there are retirements and company closures or patients change providers. Someday you may be the only source of something important.

I have a lot of other things on my mind right now. I’ll probably start a PHR when I find the time.

Overload and procrastination will always be problems. Consider the things that get your highest priorities. Are they all really that important? When done little by little, starting and maintaining a PHR becomes a habit that gets faster and easier. When used in conjunction with Internet knowledge bases, considerable time savings can be achieved instead of waiting in phone lines for answers to billing and medical questions. Sharing a record with vendors can prevent costly, time-consuming mistakes and focus attention on top concerns.

I am not a computer expert. I do not know how to start.

It’s not a concern. There are many people willing to help. Just ask. Who knows? You could introduce them to something that would also help them. For example, it is a good opportunity to spend family time with sons, daughters, nieces and nephews who have grown up with these things.

Database products are dull and boring. They are designed for businesses.

Home computers aren’t just for fun and entertainment. PHRs are designed to save time and improve lives. Fear of the unknown is common. Remember, no pain, no gain. The first step is to start.

I am too old to reconstruct my complete medical history.

There’s no need. This is obviously best for babies, but starting at any age will create important reminders down the road, especially to help caregivers you may need later. Do the best you can; then fill in the blanks as information becomes available.

I am waiting for a product that combines the advantages of mobile and desktop applications.

For years, people have waited and missed the benefits of one thing or another. Consider any technology provider. They all listen to their customers and regularly make improvements. Expect that to happen with PHRs as well. At this time, any information can be transported even on a flash drive.

Ok, how do I create my PHR?

You can find PHR software for your PC; some are free and others involve a fee. There are also free online services from Google, Microsoft, insurance companies, and pharmacy chains. You should look for a program that is safe, easy to use and complete. It has been said that there is no free lunch. In either case, there are trade-offs regardless of which PHR selection is made. Aside from privacy and protection concerns, some people prefer not to give anyone more information about themselves than they already have. An app on your computer means more direct control. Others prefer web applications that they can access wherever they go, although the data can always be saved on a portable device. One caution refers to changing providers if a free PHR service is included; it may be necessary to re-enter the data. It can also be distracting to see ads and other features when you’re trying to focus on a main task.

The bottom line: Don’t let excuses and inertia get in the way.

Life is too short to manage care, solve problems, and improve effectiveness and efficiency without a PHR. We learned this the hard way. With continued changes, having a PHR will become even more important. Look at these; choose the one that best suits your needs; and get started Don’t hesitate to ask for help.