Recently a notice in the Federal Register describes a proposed project called “Facts for Consumers about Health IT Service for the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology” (ONC). The abstract says in part: “A new health information technology, the personal health record (PHR), seeks to provide consumers with the capability to directly manage their own health information. Although PHRs can exist in different formats or media (i.e., paper or electronic), the term usually refers to an online record containing an individual's personal health information. PHRs typically include information such as health history, vaccinations, allergies, test results and prescription information. Given the newness of the electronic PHR concept, the different ways to establish PHRs and the sensitivity of personal health information, ONC is taking steps to establish that useful facts about PHRs and PHR privacy policy information be made available to consumers so they can make informed decisions about selecting and using PHRs. Toward this end, ONC has a project to develop an online model for PHR providers…”
We have already seen that within the definition of “Meaningful Use” EHRs are a part of the plan, but did you know PHRs are as well? With the notice in the Federal Register, the government is taking steps to develop a Website to inform consumers of choice and education related to what is available. This serves as a call to hospital executives to begin thinking about incorporating a PHR strategy as they develop their upcoming plans.
Follow the link to read the complete notice in the Federal Register:
