At Camino Medical Group, we believe the best relationship between a patient and physician is a partnership. The more complete and accurate your health information, the better tool you have to help you play an active role in your own quality healthcare. That is why we are providing this guide to understanding and managing your personal health information called My PHR (Personal Health Record). Your personal health record can be as simple as a file folder kept in your home or it might be maintained on your home computer or through a reputable Web site.

• What is a PHR?
• Benefits of a PHR
• How to Get Started
• PHR Should Include:
• My PHR Toolkit

What is a PHR?

A PHR is a collection of important information about your health or the health of someone you are caring for, such as a parent or child. The information comes from a variety of sources and includes your medical records, your family health history, your Advance Health Care Directive (used to be called a Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care or a Living Will) and any other information about your health.

Chances are a complete record of your personal health information cannot be found in any single location or consistent format. Although physician offices are beginning to keep electronic health records, their numbers are low. Different pieces of health information might be found across several different doctors, hospitals, and other health care providers. The information might be located in different cities, states, or even countries over the course of a lifetime. With a PHR you, your family, any doctor, wherever you travel - will have vital, current health information, easily available. In addition, if you frequently fill out medical information for specialists, sports teams or other medical needs, you will save yourself time by having your health information at your fingertips.
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Benefits of a PHR

• Patient-held records contain different, more rounded information
  
• Promotes teamwork between you and your provider
  
• You become more involved in monitoring and maintaining health status
  
• Easy access in the event of travel, moving, trip to the emergency room
  
• Saves time by having information at your fingertips when needed to fill out forms for emergency medical contacts, insurance, school, travel, sports, etc.

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How to Get Started

Step One: Decide on what health information you will include and make a list. Also decide on the format - paper copies, an electronic record that you can burn onto a CD or a small, portable flash drive, or an Internet-based service.

Step Two: Request a copy of records from all healthcare providers. If you are keeping records on your computer, ask if you can get an electronic copy. Ask for help in determining which parts of the record you need. You will be asked to complete a "request authorization for release of information". This form is included in the Toolkit. There is usually a charge to copy records.

Step Three: Gather other forms, names, addresses as needed, refer to your list.

Step Four: If you are using a paper system, make a small card to carry with you, listing vital information. If you are using an electronic system, make a copy of your CD or carry a copy on a flash drive.

Step Five: Update records as needed. Don't forget to update copies when information is added.
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PHR Should Include:

(Separate information for each person in the family. This is where electronic copies are helpful)

• Your personal medical history (form included in Toolkit)
  
• Family health history
  
• Your health and wellness
  
  • Home blood pressure, glucose readings
    
  • Over the counter medications/nutritional supplements
    
  • Blood Type
    
  • Exercise classes
    
  • Counseling
  
  
• Personal identification that includes name, birth date and social security number
  
• People to contact in case of emergency
  
• Names, addresses and phone numbers of your personal physician, dentist and other specialists
  
• Health insurance information
  
• Advance directives
  
• Organ donor authorization
  
• Problem list - what conditions you are being treated for
  
• Current medications and dosages
  
• A list and dates of significant illnesses and surgeries
  
• Immunizations and their dates
  
• Allergies
  
• Important events, dates and hereditary conditions in your family history
  
• A recent physical examination
  
• Records from visits to specialists
  
• Important test results
  
• Eye and dental records
  
• Correspondence between you and your provider
  
• Permission forms for release of information, operations and other medical procedures
  
• Any other health information you want to include

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My PHR Toolkit

Below you will find a list of forms to help you start a PHR. Fill out the files and save them to your PHR in addition to any other pertinent information above. By taking the time to create your PHR, you help your Physician provide you and your family with the best possible care.

• Health Information Form (adult)
  
• Health Information Form (child)
  
• Authorization for Use or Disclosure of Health Information
  
• Advance Health Care Directive

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