Why have a Personal Health Record (PHR)?
Healthcare is a shared responsibility between you, and your healthcare
provider. The truth is - most of the time - it is you who must be the guardian
of your family's health.
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Preserve records which are routinely discarded after a period of time, or when
a doctor's office closes
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Have records available to share among providers (including dentists, medical
specialists, physical therapists, etc) who frequently don't have the ability to
share medical records directly
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Know as much as possible about your family's health so you can make the best
choices when you or a loved one requires treatment.
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Correct errors - or omissions from your medical record
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Understand your family members' health status. A doctor could have mentioned a
condition you didn't really understand (because of jargon).
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Make sure your providers know about your health-relevant activities (e.g.
exercise, travel, etc), your diet, vitamins and dietary supplements, and
family history, as these are all crucial parts of your overall health picture
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Reduce your likelihood of becoming a victim of medical error, by having this
information handy when you need it (e.g. in case of an accident)