Choosing a PHR

What kind of information should I keep in a Personal Health Record (PHR)?

A PHR should store the personal and health information you wish to keep in one place so that you can look at it and share it with your providers, caregivers, and family members. Your PHR should have your current personal information, like your name, birth date, and address. You should also make sure you can enter special information that is important to you, such as:

• Names and phone numbers of people who should be contacted in case of emergency
• Names, addresses, and phone numbers of your doctors, including specialists and dentists
• Health insurance information, like the name of your insurance company and key phone numbers for service (if you have other insurance in addition to Medicare)
• Current medications and dosages
• Allergies (to foods, drugs and other substances)
• Important events, dates, and hereditary conditions in your family history
• A list and dates of significant illnesses and surgical procedures
• Results from recent doctor visits (if the PHR is provided by your doctor or hospital
• Important tests results; eye and dental records, immunization records (if the PHR is provided by your doctor or hospital, or if you can enter the information yourself)
• Any information you want to include about your health - such as your exercise regimen, any over-the-counter or herbal medications you take and any counseling you may receive.

How Do I Create a Personal Health Record (PHR)?

Some PHRs are created and kept up-to-date by your health plan or provider. Other PHRs enable you to enter your information yourself. If you decide not to use a PHR that is sponsored by your health plan or provider, you can still select a "stand-alone" PHR tool, and you will have to enter the information yourself. You can begin by entering the information that you already know, like your personal information, medications, and your doctors' names. Be sure to update your information regularly and share it with your doctors when you have an appointment.

Top of page