RelayHealth Personal Health Record
There's a lot of talk these days about personal health records, otherwise known as PHRs. Maybe you've heard the term or seen the acronym but you feel confused. You're not alone. We'll try to explain the whole notion — and describe RelayHealth's approach — in simple terms. After all, healthcare is confusing enough.
What is a personal health record?
What are the benefits of a personal health record?
Why is RelayHealth's personal health record so special?
What's the most important information in a personal health record?
How do you ensure privacy and security?
Want a RelayHealth PHR? Register for the RelayHealth service.
Have more questions? Contact RelayHealth Customer Support at 1-866-RELAY-ME (1-866-735-2963), extension 1. Or send an e-mail.
What is a personal health record?
A personal health record is any tool that allows you to view, update, correct, and share your medical information. Most tools being developed and used today are Internet based. Any personal health record must be at least partially controlled by you, the patient.
What are the benefits of a personal health record?
Save time. When you need answers to questions about your healthcare, the information is at your fingertips. No more calling your doctor's office to request your paper file, scrambling to find old prescriptions, or searching for your health insurance information.
Improve the quality of your care. Ensure that you and your care providers make medical decisions based on a complete history. A personal health record can help providers make diagnoses, prescribe medications, and monitor treatment plans. A personal health record is especially useful for patients managing chronic conditions such as diabetes. These conditions require close and continuous tracking of lab and test results, treatment plans, medications, office visits and other information.
Manage your dependents' care. If you manage care for a spouse, children, or elderly parents a personal health record can make the job much easier.
A personal health record is especially useful for patients managing chronic conditions such as diabetes. These conditions require close and continuous tracking of lab and test results, treatment plans, medications, office visits and other information.
Why is RelayHealth's personal health record so special?
Patients and their care providers have been using the RelayHealth PHR since 1999. It is unique in the healthcare industry for two reasons.
Connects everyone involved in your care. Many PHRs require you to maintain the record on your own and share it with your doctor, usually by bringing a printed version to their office. With RelayHealth, everyone involved with your healthcare is connected — from physicians and nurses to health plans and pharmacies. Mistakes can be eliminated and collaboration can be enhanced when everyone with access is viewing and adding to the same record.
Part of care delivery. To be the most useful, care providers need to review your PHR while they're making decisions, such as prescribing medication or suggesting treatment. The RelayHealth PHR is part of a complete healthcare communications service. That means that the PHR is automatically presented and updated as care is being provided.
What's the most important information in a personal health record?
Healthcare providers really need to know the following information in order to provide the best care:
Medications. Report all medications you take frequently, especially if you have been treated or prescribed for by other doctors, if you take over the counter medications on a frequent basis, or if you take vitamin and/or herbal supplements (e.g., Niacin or St. John's Wort).
Allergies. It is especially important to report allergies to medications or medical supplies (e.g., allergic to penicillin, allergic to latex).
Health problems. List all your ongoing health problems or conditions (e.g., diabetes, asthma, hypertension) to help your healthcare providers avoid treatments that might make your health conditions worse.
Health history. Store your entire family health history including immunization records, names of previous physicians, and special notes. You can also upload files such as scanned lab results.
How do you ensure privacy and security?
RelayHealth maintains the strictest privacy and security measures to protect your personal health information. Only parties authorized by you can access your RelayHealth PHR and identity authentication is required. You can always see who has viewed your PHR. The service also features built-in encryption technology, hardware and software security measures, and a thorough privacy policy. Learn more...
Is there a fee?
There is no fee for the RelayHealth PHR. It is included as part of the RelayHealth online communications service.
