personal health record vs patient portal

by Oliver Senger Jr. 6 min read

How Do Patient Portals and Personal Health Records …

3 hours ago Mar 26, 2019 · Whenever a patient health record is connected to a medical record, it is considered protected by HIPAA. Depending on who you ask, that definition of PHRs could look very similar to the definition for patient portals. Patient Portals . Patient portals are secure websites or apps that allow patients access around the clock to their personal health … >> Go To The Portal


The Portal is controlled by the source system (EMR/EHR

Electronic health record

An electronic health record is the systematized collection of patient and population electronically-stored health information in a digital format. These records can be shared across different health care settings. Records are shared through network-connected, enterprise-wide information systems …

/Hospital). On the other hand, the Personal Health Record (PHR

Personal health record

A personal health record is a health record where health data and other information related to the care of a patient is maintained by the patient. This stands in contrast to the more widely used electronic medical record, which is operated by institutions and contains data entered by clinicians to support insurance claims. The intention of a PHR is to provide a complete and accurate summary of an individual…

) is more patient centric, is controlled by a patient or family member, and may or may not be connected to a doctor or hospital (i.e. it may be tethered or untethered).

The Portal is controlled by the source system (EMR/EHR/Hospital). On the other hand, the Personal Health Record (PHR) is more patient centric, is controlled by a patient or family member, and may or may not be connected to a doctor or hospital (i.e. it may be tethered or untethered).Sep 6, 2012

Full Answer

How do patient portals and personal health records differ?

Mar 26, 2019 · Whenever a patient health record is connected to a medical record, it is considered protected by HIPAA. Depending on who you ask, that definition of PHRs could look very similar to the definition for patient portals. Patient Portals . Patient portals are secure websites or apps that allow patients access around the clock to their personal health …

What are the pros and cons of personal health records?

Feb 20, 2019 · Patient portals and personal health records (PHRs) have both received considerable praise for their role in increasing patient engagement. However, distinguishing between the two forms of health IT tools can often be difficult, due to nebulous definitions and overlapping features. Patient portals give users an online view of their health data, as do PHRs. …

How to get your patients to use your patient portal?

Jul 02, 2020 · But EHRs contain more extensive information because they're used by health care providers to store visit notes, test results and much more. A PHR that is tied to an EHR is called a patient portal. In some but not all cases you can add information, such as home blood pressure readings, to your record via a patient portal.

How to access patient portal?

Sep 06, 2012 · The Portal is controlled by the source system (EMR/EHR/Hospital). On the other hand, the Personal Health Record (PHR) is more patient centric, is controlled by a patient or family member, and may or may not be connected to a doctor or hospital (i.e. it may be tethered or untethered). Information in the PHR is shared at the discretion of the patient.

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Is a PHR the same as a patient portal?

A PHR that is tied to an EHR is called a patient portal. In some but not all cases you can add information, such as home blood pressure readings, to your record via a patient portal.

What is the difference between medical records and health records?

It's easy to remember the distinction between EMRs and EHRs, if you think about the term “medical” versus the term “health.” An EMR is a narrower view of a patient's medical history, while an EHR is a more comprehensive report of the patient's overall health.Feb 15, 2017

What is the difference between EMR and PHR?

Whereas EMR is usually considered an internal, organizational system, the EHR is defined as an inter-organizational system [1]. Personal health records (PHR) are online systems used by patients, and are designed for transparency of information and to enable patients to be better informed and engaged [2].

What is in a personal health record?

A personal health record (PHR) refers to the collection of an individual's medical documentation maintained by the individual themselves, or a caregiver, in cases where patients are unable to do so themselves. This personal information includes details such as: The patient's medical history. Applicable diagnoses.Oct 22, 2021

What are the two types of medical records?

There are three types of medical records commonly used by patients and doctors:Personal health record (PHR)Electronic medical record (EMR)Electronic health record (EHR)

What is the meaning of health record?

​A health record is a confidential compilation of pertinent facts of an individual's health history, including all past and present medical conditions, illnesses and treatments, with emphasis on the specific events affecting the patient during the current episode of care.

How are electronic health records and personal health records similar?

Personal Health Record (EHR) is a patient-centred organisational system. A PHR is the same as EHR, but are meant to be owned, set up, and managed by patients. Just like EHRs, PHRs contain information like diagnoses, medications, immunizations, family medical histories, and provider contact information.Jan 9, 2020

What is the difference between EHR and MPI?

An EMR provides the clinical information about a patient, while the MPI is the index for that data. An MPI typically lists data points about a patient, such as a patient's last name, first name, date of birth, gender, address, phone number, and dates and types of visits to the healthcare organization.”Jun 25, 2007

What are the different types of EMR systems?

EMR SoftwareCloud-Based EMR Software. A cloud-based EMR software allows data to be accessed online. ... Mac EMR Software. Mac EMR software, as can be assumed by the name, includes software compatible with all Apple devices. ... ONC-Certified EMR Software. ... Behavioral/Mental Health EMR Software. ... Medical Billing Software.Sep 30, 2020

What are three personal health records?

There are basically three types of PHRs: (a) institution-centered PHRs, in which consumers have access to specified portions of their healthcare records that are maintained by providers of a given healthcare agency or a consumer's insurance company, (b) self-maintained PHRs that are sometimes maintained online, and (c) ...

Is a patient's personal health record a legal document?

In addition to providing records that manage and document the patient's care, medical records are used in reimbursement, research, and legal issues. Because the medical record is a legal document, many rules and regulations apply, including regulations on documentation, record retention, privacy acts, and disclosure.

Who owns the personal health record?

IndividualsIndividuals own and manage the information in the PHR, which comes from healthcare providers and the individual. The PHR is maintained in a secure and private environment, with the individual determining rights of access. The PHR does not replace the legal record of any provider.

What is a patient portal?

Patient portals are secure websites or apps that allow patients access around the clock to their personal health information over an internet connection. Each patient will have a separate secure username and password, and those can be used to see a wide range of information including: Notes from recent office visits.

What is a tethered PHR?

A tethered PHR is an online interface that is directly tied to an electronic health record (EHR), and it allows patients to view and interact with their health data. For example, a patient would be able to quickly see their immunization history or lab results, or due dates for preventative care screenings, safely online. Whenever a patient health record is connected to a medical record, it is considered protected by HIPAA. Depending on who you ask, that definition of PHRs could look very similar to the definition for patient portals.

How does a PHR help patients?

Other studies have also indicated that patient data access via PHR or patient portal can help improve outcomes.

What is a patient portal?

A patient portal is a secure online website that gives patients convenient 24-hour access to personal health information from anywhere with an Internet connection. Using a secure username and password, patients can view health information such as: Some patient portals also allow patients to:

Do standalone PHRs require patients to take the initiative to engage their providers?

Although standalone PHRs still require patients to take the initiative to involve their providers with the technology, tethered PHRs/patient portals allow the patient to interact with the provider. PHRS, PATIENT PORTALS, AND INTEROPERABILITY HURDLES.

Can a PHR be interoperable?

For standalone PHRs, interoperability can cause issues for patients who want to offer a provider access to their data. A patient’s PHR may not work well with a provider’s EHR, making it impossible for the provider to access a full view of the patient’s health record.

When did Google Health shut down?

However, the company failed to spark consumer interest, and eventually shut down the product on January 1, 2013.

Can EHRs connect to PHRs?

As of 2013, only 60 percent of clinician EHRs could connect to PHRs, according to data from the Workgroup for Electronic Data Interchange. This problem can also occur with patient portals. A patient may have one portal for their primary care physician, as well as two more for their optometrist and dermatologist.

What is the difference between a PHR and an EHR?

But EHRs contain more extensive information because they're used by health care providers to store visit notes, test results and much more. A PHR that is tied to an EHR is called a patient portal. In some but not all cases you can add information, such as home blood pressure readings, to your record via a patient portal.

What is included in a PHR?

In general, your PHR needs to include anything that helps you and your doctors manage your health — starting with the basics: Your doctor's names and phone numbers. Allergies, including drug allergies. Your medications, including dosages. List and dates of illnesses and surgeries.

What does a medical ID do?

Medical ID can display medical conditions, allergies, medications, blood type and emergency contacts. You can also use it to indicate if you're registered to be organ donor. It is important to make sure any apps you use are secure so that your information is kept private.

What are some things you can add to your health history?

You can also add information about what you're doing to stay healthy and prevent disease, such as: Home blood pressure readings. Exercise and dietary habits. Health goals, such as stopping smoking or losing weight.

What is electronic health records?

Electronic personal health records (PHRs) remedy that problem by making your information accessible to you anytime via web-enabled devices, such as computers, smartphones and tablets.

Why is it important to make sure that apps are secure?

It is important to make sure any apps you use are secure so that your information is kept private. Make sure any app you use requires you to enter a password and that your phone has a firewall or encryption software. Research all apps before you download them to your phone and enter your personal information.

Can you create a separate PHR?

If that's the case, you may not want to create a separate, standalone PHR. However, you may want to consider having at least some basic information on hand in case of emergency, including advance directives, which outline your decisions about health care, such as whether to use life-support machines.

What is the difference between a patient portal and a PHR?

The patient is provided with a secure login and can view results or clinical information and interact with healthcare providers by submitting messages, booking appointments, or requesting medication renewals. The Portal is controlled by the source system (EMR/EHR/Hospital). On the other hand, the Personal Health Record (PHR) is more patient centric, is controlled by a patient or family member, and may or may not be connected to a doctor or hospital (i.e. it may be tethered or untethered). Information in the PHR is shared at the discretion of the patient.

Is a PHR a patient centric record?

On the other hand, the Personal Health Record (PHR) is more patient centric, is controlled by a patient or family member, and may or may not be connected to a doctor or hospital (i.e. it may be tethered or untethered). Information in the PHR is shared at the discretion of the patient. The above description is quite simplistic and based upon ...

Who is Benjamin Shibata?

Benjamin Shibata graduated from UCLA with a degree in bioengineering. He is currently a Master of Public Health student at George Washington University studying health policy. Abbas is the CTO of Galen Data and has over 13 years of experience developing enterprise grade software for the medical device industry.

What is a personal health record?

A personal health record is simply a collection of information about your health. If you have a shot record or a folder of medical papers, you already have a basic personal health record.

What information goes into a PHR?

In general, your PHR needs to include anything that helps you and your doctors manage your health — starting with the basics:

PHRs, EHRs and patient portals

PHRs are not the same as electronic health records (EHRs), also called electronic medical records (EMRs), which are owned and maintained by doctors' offices, hospitals or health insurance plans.

What are the benefits of a PHR?

Having a PHR can be a lifesaver, literally. In an emergency you can quickly give first responders vital information, such as diseases you're being treated for, medications you take, drug allergies, and contact information for your doctor.

Are there drawbacks to PHRs?

Building a complete health record takes some time. You have to collect and enter all your health information. Only a minority of doctors, hospitals, pharmacies and insurance companies can send information electronically to a PHR that isn't part of a patient portal.

Will my information be kept private?

Perhaps the most common concerns about PHRs are about privacy and security. To address these issues, reputable PHR systems follow industry best practices, such as making their privacy policies public and submitting to monitoring by independent organizations.

How do I get started?

If your primary care doctor offers a patient portal, use it. The staff at the front desk should be able to tell you how to register for it. (If your doctor doesn't offer one, ask if one will be available in the future.) Then start taking advantage of its features. Most portals offer the following:

What is the purpose of the EHR Act?

This act mandated that EHRs should operate reciprocally throughout the nation's healthcare system and be used in a meaningful manner.6MU, which has three stages of objectives, emphasized the use of EHRs to improve quality, safety, efficiency, and health inequality.

Why is PHR important?

Utilization of PHRs can be beneficial because it allows for the correction of errors in medical records and gives patients access to the information to share with other providers. Conversely, each provider may have a different system, thereby making patient utilization difficult.

Why are personal health records important?

Personal health records (PHRs) have been mandated to be made available to patients to provide increased access to medical care information, encourage participation in healthcare decision making, and enable correction of errors within medical records. The purpose of this study was to analyze the usefulness of PHRs from the perspectives ...

What is the HITECH Act?

The Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health (HITECH) Act of 2009 encouraged the use of electronic health records (EHRs) through incentives for hospitals in the United States.1The goals of EHRs have been promotion of quality healthcare, cost containment, and safety for patients. Personal health records (PHRs), in conjunction ...

What is a PHR?

Personal health records (PHRs), in conjunction with EHRs, are new technological tools that have promoted patients' participation in their healthcare decisions, correction of medical record errors, and increased access to medical care.2. For many years, patients have kept paper copies of their medical records, but with this new technology, ...

How does trust between patients and physicians work?

Trust between patients and physicians would be tested through the use of PHRs. Patients must trust that their physicians will provide the best, most cost-efficient advice. Likewise, providers must trust patients to enter appropriate changes in the PHR.

Is a PHR connected to an EHR?

Conversely, untethered PHRs are not connected with EHRs.12The use of tethered PHRs has been seen as beneficial because it allows communication between patients and physicians.13PHRs have been advantageous for the correction of errors, such as those in medication lists, which has been seen as useful by physicians.14.

How do patient portals empower consumers?

When used effectively, patient portals can empower consumers by enabling active management of their own care. However, we know little about how patient portal use fits into the broader personal health information management (PHIM) practices of various groups, such as older adults.

How old are Portal users?

Portal users ranged in age from 61 to 93 years , and most lived independently in a private residence (60%) and had college education or higher (67%). Although portal nonusers were similar in age, fewer were college educated (53%) and more lived in retirement or assisted living facilities (74%).

Why is it important to understand consumer health information?

Important to the success of the consumer health movement is accurate, accessible, and understandable health information to assist with treatment and health decisions . Older adults are the largest consumers of health care and expend the greatest proportion of US health care dollars.

What is ChARM PHR?

ChARM PHR is a Personal Health Record (PHR) portal to manage health information of patients, for themselves and their families. Patients can store their current and past medications, lab results, record health vitals and track progress using the built-in reports.

What can a patient record?

The patient can: Record current medications, supplements, their dosage and period of intake. View medications and supplements that were used in the past. View immunizations taken right from birth and therapies undergone till date. Manage health vitals such as weight, height, blood pressure and blood sugar; record the data periodically ...

Can patients request appointments with their care team?

Patients can request appointments with their care team, which gets securely notified to the physician’s ChARM EHR account. When the physician confirms the appointments, and shares pre-appointment questionnaires, patients can fill them up from their PHR account, so that the physician can know about the patient’s health information better, ...

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Tethered Personal Health Records Versus Patient Portals

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A tethered PHR, as defined by the ONC, is an online interface tied to an EHR with which patients may view and sometimes interact with their health data. “The patient accesses the information through a secure portal,” ONC says. “Typically, patients can view information such as lab results, immunization history or due da…
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What Is A Standalone Personal Health Record?

  • The ONC defines a standalone PHR as: “[A system where] patients fill in the information from their own records and memories and the data is stored on the patients’ computers or on the internet. Patients can decide whether to share the information with providers, family members, or anyone else involved in their care. In some cases, information can be downloaded from other sources in…
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PHRs, Patient Portals, and Interoperability Hurdles

  • Standalone and tethered PHRs offer several of the same patient engagement benefits, and they also suffer from several of the same disadvantages. With all of these data storage options and ongoing industry struggles with interoperability,there are many opportunities for data to become siloed. For standalone PHRs, interoperability can cause issues for patients who want to offer a p…
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