What is a personal health record?

A personal health record is indeed a private, secure electronic file maintained by the patient. This type of record is designed to empower individuals to take control of their own healthcare information. It typically includes a comprehensive history of the patient's medical background, medications, allergies, lab results, immunization records, and other health-related data.

Having this information organized and accessible allows patients to make informed decisions about their health and facilitates communication with healthcare providers. It is different from a shared medical file among providers, which is typically part of an Electronic Health Record (EHR) system and may not be controlled by the patient. Furthermore, a personal health record differs from a physical card that summarizes medical history or a document intended solely for insurance billing. These distinctions highlight the unique role personal health records play in supporting individual patient engagement in their healthcare journey.