Washington Post Examines Increased Use of Personal Health Records

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Washington Post Examines Increased Use of Personal Health Records, USA

16 Mar 2005 Medical News Today

The Washington Post on Tuesday examined the growing popularity of personal

health records as U.S. residents seek ways to consolidate their health

information. According to the Post, a number of firms have begun offering PHRs

to U.S. residents, " betting that more Americans -- particularly those with

chronic ailments and those who care for children and aging parents -- will soon

demand digital, comprehensive medical records. " The Post notes that

" [p]atient-owned PHRs differ " from electronic health records, which " are created

and controlled largely by health care providers. " PHR service sponsors, which

include health plans and hospitals, charge as little as $44.95 to put a

patient's medical information on a CD and $24.95 to place the information

online.

For example, subscribers to a system sponsored by land-based Laxor can

upload to a secure Web site information on conditions, treatments, medications,

allergies, blood-pressure readings, doctor visits and test results. Laxor's

PHRs, which are set up and managed by personal health information managers, also

can remind patients of appointments and screening tests.

Another sponsor, FollowMe, provides an e-mail account, printable emergency card

with photo identification, direct links to information sources and laboratory

and diagnostic scan uploading capability. Extras offered by WebMD's Health

Manager service include health news and customized content and tools.

Despite their growing popularity, the Post reports, PHRs face a number of

challenges, most importantly legal and personal concerns over medical privacy

(Gearon, Washington Post, 3/15).