- A Personal Health Record (PHR) keeps all your medical information in one place, making it easier to share with doctors and caregivers.
- Having a PHR can save your life in an emergency by giving quick access to allergies, medications, and health history.
- PHRs reduce medical errors and repeated tests, saving you time, stress, and money.
- You can create one easilyโon paper, in an app, or through a patient portal.ย Links and downloads below.
What Is a Personal Health Record?
A Personal Health Record (PHR) is a file you create and control. Unlike the records your doctor or hospital keeps, a PHR belongs to you. It can be paper-based or digital and usually includes:
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Your health history, illnesses, and surgeries.
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Allergies, medications, and immunizations.
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Test results and lab work.
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Insurance details and emergency contacts.
Think of it as your portable health fileโa summary that travels with you, not stuck in one doctorโs office.
(See Mayo Clinic and NCBI/StatPearls for more.)
Why You Should Have a PHR.
Better, Safer Care:
Doctors often donโt have your full history. A PHR reduces mistakes, avoids duplicate tests, and helps new providers treat you faster.
Emergency Readiness:
If youโre in an accident or become unconscious, a PHR provides vital details such as allergies, medications, and blood type.
Caregiver Support:
If family members help with your care, a PHR gives them the information they need in one place.
Control and Access:
You decide what goes in your PHR, who sees it, and how itโs shared. Federal law (HIPAA) protects your right to access your records.
How to Create a Personal Health Record.
Step 1: Gather Your Records.
Ask for copies of your medical records from doctors, hospitals, and labs. Many providers now have patient portals where you can download them. Some offer a โBlue Buttonโ option to export your health information.
Step 2: Organize the Essentials.
Include:
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Allergies and blood type.
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Medications (with dosages).
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Past surgeries or major illnesses.
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Chronic conditions.
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Test results and imaging.
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Immunizations.
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Insurance details.
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Primary care doctor and specialists.
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Emergency contacts.
Step 3: Choose Paper or Digital.
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Paper Binder/One-Sheet: A simple printed summary you can carry in your wallet or car.
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Download a sample one-sheet here: Personal Health Record PDF
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Digital Apps: Secure platforms let you store and update records electronically.
Step 4: Keep It Updated
After each appointment, add new test results, medications, or changes in your care. Review your PHR every few months to make sure itโs current.
Trusted PHR Apps and Tools.
Here are some reliable options if you prefer digital storage:
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Apple Health (iOS) โ Connects to hospitals and labs that support Health Records.
๐ Apple Health Records -
MyChart (Epic Systems) โ Widely used by hospitals and clinics across the U.S.
๐ MyChart by Epic -
My Family Health Portrait (CDC/NIH) โ Free government tool to record family health history.
๐ My Family Health Portrait -
CareZone (iOS/Android) โ Helps manage medications, providers, and health info.
๐ CareZone App on App Store | CareZone App on Google Play -
MyHealthRecord.com โ Used by many clinics, HIPAA-compliant.
๐ MyHealthRecord.com
Bottom Line.
A Personal Health Record is one of the most powerful tools you can have for your health. It improves care, saves time, and gives peace of mindโwhether youโre at the doctorโs office, switching providers, or facing an emergency.
Start simple: download the one-sheet, fill in your basics, and keep it handy. Then, if you like, add a digital app for long-term record-keeping. A little effort now can make a big difference later.
