We encourage individuals to begin tracking their health information in whatever format works best for them, even if the choice is paper. However, if you plan to share information in your PHR with your healthcare provider, we recommend using an electronic media or computerized layout. That way it will be easier to format your information quickly, accurately and securely regardless of which or how many healthcare providers need to access it.

PHR information should always be stored in a secure manner just as you would store other confidential personal information such as financial information. Our experts discuss the benefits and risks involved in selecting the appropriate PHR.

Once you’ve gathered the information you’re seeking, there are a few different ways you can maintain your PHR:

• You can simply gather your information and place it in a file folder.
• You can transfer the information to a computer disk, and carry that with you.
• Portable devices are available that allow you to carry the information on a chip inside something called a USB drive, that plugs into most computers.
• Internet-based services allow you to access and enter your health information into their online tools from your computer. Some of these are free, and for others you may have to pay a fee or subscription. There are some important questions to consider when placing your health information online.

Your doctor may use electronic health records, and have a Web portal or patient gateway that allows you to view and track some of your health information on the Internet. You may also be able to e-mail your doctor, schedule appointments, or get a prescription refilled through the Internet. This is a great start to giving you access to your information, but it is not your complete personal health record. You’ll still need to be proactive to collect all the information you need.

AHIMA does not make, sell, or endorse any PHR products, but we’ve compiled a list of PHR tools and resources. You’ll need to research your PHR options and decide which method is best for you.

Individuals can create their own PHR, or may be offered one by a variety of sources, such as:

• a healthcare provider
• an insurer
• an employer  
• a commercial supplier of PHRs

Each supplier has different policies and practices regarding how they may use data they store for the individual.
Study the policies and procedures carefully to make sure you understand how your personal health information will be used and protected. Policies to look for include:

• privacy and security
• the ability of the individual, or those they authorize, to access their information;
• and control over accessibility by others

If the PHR contains the same information that the doctor has seen, it has more usefulness for tracking purposes than information from insurance forms. For example, insurance claims information may list the diagnosis or medication but not the details (for example, actual blood pressure reading or dose of the medication taken).

A wide range of products are currently available to help you create your own personal health record (PHR). Below you can search a list of options and decide for yourself which works best for you.

Please note that the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) does not sell or endorse any of the PHR products listed here.