What are the benefits of a PHR?

Having a PHR can be a lifesaver, literally. In an emergency you can quickly give first responders vital information, such as diseases you're being treated for, medications you take, drug allergies, and contact information for your doctor.

If you see multiple doctors and they don't use the same EHR system, a PHR is a good way to keep all of your health information in one place.

A PHR also empowers you to manage your health between visits. For example, a PHR enables you to:

• Track and assess your health. Record and track your progress toward your health goals, such as lowering your cholesterol level.
• Make the most of doctor visits. Be ready with questions for your doctor and information you want to share, such as blood pressure readings since your last visit.
• Manage your health between visits. Upload and analyze data from home-monitoring devices such as a blood pressure cuff. And remind yourself of your doctor's instructions from your last appointment.
• Get organized. Track appointments, vaccinations, medications and preventive or screening services, such as mammograms. In fact, studies have shown when parents use personal health records for their children, the children are more likely to get their preventive well-child checkups on time.