FAQ
What is a personal health record?
Every time you visit your doctor, hospital, or another healthcare provider, a record of your visit is made. This information is then compiled into what is known as your health record. Your health record, also known as your medical record, is used by doctors, nurses, and other medical staff to ensure you receive quality healthcare. It serves as a:
- Basis for planning your care and treatment
- Means by which doctors, nurses, and others caring for you can talk to one another about your needs
- Legal document describing the care you received
- Means by which you or your insurance company can verify that services billed were actually provided
Your physical health record belongs to your healthcare provider, but the information in it belongs to you! Understanding what is in your health record helps you:
- Make sure it's correct and complete
- Know what is being released when you authorize disclosure of information to others
- Provide an accurate health history to all healthcare providers who treat you
American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA)
Why do I need one?
All individuals should be able to readily access, understand, and use their personal health information. Your health information is scattered across many different providers and facilities. Keeping your own complete, updated, and easily accessible health record means you can play a more active role in your healthcare. You wouldn't write checks without keeping a check register. The same level of responsibility makes sense for your healthcare.
Your own personal health record (PHR) offers a different perspective, showing all your health-related information. It can include any information that you think affects your health, including information that your doctor may not have, such as your exercise routines, dietary habits, or glucose levels if you are diabetic.
In a medical emergency, quick access to your health information is vital so that you can receive the best possible care. If you are in an accident, the Emergency Responder needs three things: quick access to your medical information, the delivery of that information by trained professionals, and accurate, up-to-date information. Most people think that an emergency room can obtain their medical information, but almost none can.
Also, the PHR is a critical tool that enables you to partner with your providers. It can reduce or eliminate duplicate procedures or processes, which saves healthcare dollars, your time, and the provider's time.
The PHR also empowers you, the patient. The information you gather gives you knowledge that assists you in your preparation for appointments. Overall, it gives you more intimate knowledge of your health information, and allows you to be actively involved in your own preventive care and care management.
American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA)
What does it cost?
The UShealthrecord.com™ personal health record is a free service.
How do I maintain it?
An electronic platform facilitates timely, accurate, and secure exchange of information across healthcare institutions and providers.
Your doctor may use electronic health records, and have what's called a Web portal or patient gateway that allows you to view and track some of your health information on the Internet. You may also be able to e-mail your doctor, schedule appointments, or get a prescription refilled. This is a great start to giving you access to your information, but it is not your complete personal health record. You'll still need to be proactive to collect all the information you need.
American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA)
How secure is my information?
The UShealthrecord.com site supports HL7 and ASTM standards as well as IHE compliance for import/export of data. Based on VeriSign® True 128-Bit secure socket layer (SSL) technology, UShealthrecord.com patients connect at the strongest encryption level commercially available today.
What are the computer and Internet requirements?
Explorer Version 5.5 or Netscape Version 7 or higher.
How do physicians and other healthcare providers access my record?
You assign access privileges for each document created in your record.
What if I want to print out a copy of my record?
Each section you complete and every document you create and/or attach can be easily printed as needed.
How can my physician view my medical information on UShealthrecord.com?
If your physician is already a UShealthrecord.com provider, you can grant him access to your medical records in your own personal health record account. If he isnt already a provider, you can encourage him to get signed up. He can sign-up by clicking on the Provider Login link at the top right-hand corner of the home page and clicking the "First time user, register here" link. Also, the UShealthrecord.com staff will be happy to communicate with your physician about your request if you email us here
I don't want to have to put my records in myself, will UShealthrecord.com staff do it for me?
i. In order to ensure your PHR is complete and up-to-date, it is extremely important that ALL of your medical history be placed into your on-line record. You may have the capability to accomplish this on your own, by scanning and uploading your records into your PHR yourself, but if you need assistance with this process, UShealthrecord.com can help.Click here to learn more
News
UShealthrecord.com™ announces partnership with Soapware™Springdale Arkansas, April 13, 2007.
UShealthrecord.com and AMS Software, Inc. have agreed to interface the AMS-Software practice management systemSpringdale Arkansas, December 07, 2007.
