Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Help Index

What is a Personal Health Record?

A Personal Health Record (PHR) is a collection of important information about your health such as medications you are taking, allergies, immunizations, chronic conditions, emergency contact information, inpatient/outpatient visit information, and more.

Who should have a PHR?

Each member of your family should have a PHR. While you or a family member may not have major medical conditions, there is basic information that should be accessible for any member at any time. This includes insurance information, allergies, immunization records and emergency contact information. And, if you or a family member have chronic medical conditions or have been hospitalized recently, you may find that having this information in one place and available to any of your treating health-care providers allows you greater piece of mind.

Why should I have a PHR?

Your health information is scattered among many different providers and facilities. Keeping a complete, updated, and easily accessible health record means you can play a more active role in your healthcare.

How is my privacy protected with a PHR?

Your health information is securely stored on our network. It can only be accessed by you, using a secure user ID and password, or by providers who have been validated through the same security process. In addition, information on your PHR can never be sold or provided to third parties.

Who can view my PHR?

Only you and health-care providers or family members who have been given permission by you to view your personal health information can view your PHR.

Does it cost anything?

The service is free - no fees, no hidden charges.

What are the Computer/Internet requirements to use my PHR?

The PHR works best when used with Microsoft Internet Explorer 6.0 or greater and Netscape 7.1 or greater. The PHR can be accessed from any computer that has Internet connection.

How is information added to my PHR?

There are two ways information is added to your PHR. First, when a claim is filed your information is retrieved from that claim and uploaded within 24 hours to your PHR account. Other information, such as family history, will need to be entered by you

What if I don't fill out all of the information right now? How can I make changes to my PHR?

Once you have accessed your PHR, you can make changes or updates to information you have entered. Keep in mind, for the PHR to work most effectively, you must provide complete information

Can I monitor who has accessed my PHR?

The PHR has an Activity Log to help you monitor PHR activity. You can trace the records that have been created or modified and track which providers have viewed your record.

Can I prevent providers from seeing my PHR or parts of my PHR?

Yes, as a member you have the option to disclose or not disclose your information. You also have the ability to "opt out", which prevents access to your PHR by anyone else. Or, you may hide specific information regarding inpatient and outpatient visits, diagnoses, procedures, and medications. In any case, all records will be available to you at all times.

Can anyone else access information in my PHR?

In certain emergency situations, health-care providers can access your PHR unless you have specifically chosen to opt out of this program.

Is there any of my personal health information that will not be available to provider?

Yes, certain categories of health information are highly sensitive and are protected by law. Information related to these categories is automatically hidden unless you choose to make it available. Highly sensitive categories of protected health information include the following:

  • Substance abuse treatment
  • Information regarding HIV status
  • Information regarding mental health status
  • Abortion services
  • Rape treatment
  • Sexual abuse treatment
  • Sexually-transmitted disease treatment

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