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Personal health records and patient portals

What information goes into a PHR?

In general, your PHR needs to include anything that helps you and your doctors manage your health — starting with the basics:

  • Your doctor's names and phone numbers
  • Allergies, including drug allergies
  • Your medications, including dosages
  • List and dates of illnesses and surgeries
  • Chronic health problems, such as high blood pressure
  • Living will or advance directives
  • Family history
  • Immunization history

You can also add information about what you're doing to stay healthy and prevent disease, such as:

  • Home blood pressure readings
  • Exercise and dietary habits
  • Health goals, such as stopping smoking or losing weight

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