What is a personal health record (PHR)?

What is a personal health record (PHR)?

• A. A physician's summary stored in the hospital EHR.
• B. Information collected electronically about a person's medical or clinical care, which is accessible to them to enhance their engagement with and maintenance and management of their own health information via a secure private portal.
• C. A paper file kept by patient with no electronic access.
• D. A record held by insurer.

Answer: (B)

A personal health record is an electronic collection of information about a person’s medical or clinical care that the individual can access and manage through a secure private portal, enabling them to engage with and maintain their health information. This patient-controlled access and management is what sets a PHR apart from other records. It is owned or controlled by the person and is distinct from the clinician’s EHR, which is kept in providers’ systems. It also isn’t limited to a paper file without electronic access or to insurer-held records. The option that describes information collected electronically about a person’s medical care, accessible to them via a secure private portal, best captures what a PHR is.

A personal health record is an electronic collection of information about a person’s medical or clinical care that the individual can access and manage through a secure private portal, enabling them to engage with and maintain their health information. This patient-controlled access and management is what sets a PHR apart from other records. It is owned or controlled by the person and is distinct from the clinician’s EHR, which is kept in providers’ systems. It also isn’t limited to a paper file without electronic access or to insurer-held records. The option that describes information collected electronically about a person’s medical care, accessible to them via a secure private portal, best captures what a PHR is.