Starting a Health Information Foundation

In the 30 June 09 post I suggested each of us find a personal health record framework and start building a record. (What if every hospital taught about a PHR as part of pregnancy instruction? What if every newborn received, alongside a blanket, a "bunny-suit," and a pacifier, a PHR with data? For every subsequent well-baby follow-up there would be new data for her/his PHR; a wellness habit is formed.)

Start teaching about PHR in primary or secondary school health education classes, assigning the building of a PHR alongside learning how to find credible health/medical knowledge from the web. Other points of fellowship where PHR can be introduced include public libraries, shopping malls, grocery stores, and senior citizen centers.

myPHR lists the steps to take for staring your PHR. Your medical information is as personal as it gets; protect it and maintain confidentiality. Let trusted family members know that you are compiling it, and where you keep it, but beyond that, keep it safe and protected.

♦ one- make a checklist of each of your doctors’ offices or the medical records staff at each facility where you have received treatment. After you have contacted each one, checkoff the name with a date you can expect the record to be available. Most providers and facilities charge for paper copies; ask if the record can be provided as a text file.

♦ two- ask for an authorization for the release of information form.
Complete the form and return it to the provider or facility as directed.

♦ three- while you wait for the information you want, find a PHR- either a software program for your computer or a web-based PHR. (Most, but not all, web-based PHRs are free.) Use a manila file folder to keep any paper records in one place.

♦ four- copy & paste the data from your text file medical records into your PHR. Type in the information from your paper medical records. This is tedious, but should not be rushed "just to get it done." Type accurately so your PHR will be a useful tool years later when you have forgotten details. In some medical cases, details are life-saving.

♦ five- use a USB drive or other record to bring your PHR with you to every medical appointment so you have the information with you. After an appointment, update your PHR with entries from providers, yourself, or your family member.

myPHR has laid a solid foundation for building a useful PHR. As usual, the real work is the responsibility of the individual. Each of us has to make an effort like this in order to reform the "big picture" of health care.