PERSONAL HEALTH RECORD BELONGS TO THE PATIENT
AHIMA Releases Definition, Attributes, and Data Elements of a Personal Health Record

CHICAGO, July 25—The personal health record (PHR) is a key element in the US transformation to a safer, more efficient, consumer-driven healthcare system. Different models are emerging—from secure Internet portals that allow patients access to their medical records to online health information Web sites—but lack of a standard definition of a PHR has slowed down its adoption. In response, the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) releases its definition of a PHR; referencing it as an electronic, universally available, lifelong resource of health information maintained and owned by the individual.

“The PHR will be a valuable asset to individuals and families—allowing them to integrate and manage their own personal health information,” stated Jill Burrington-Brown, professional practice resource manager at AHIMA. “It is imperative that patients, healthcare providers, and payers work together to develop a PHR model. But ultimately the PHR belongs to the patient.”

In January 2005, AHIMA launched an electronic health information management (e-HIM™) workgroup of HIM professionals and other industry leaders to examine the role of the PHR in the electronic health record (EHR). Based on research of current industry activities, the workgroup formulated a definition of the PHR, its attributes and minimum common data elements.

The workgroup was funded in part by the AHIMA’s Foundation of Research and Education (FORE). The workgroup’s complete report, “The Role of the Personal Health Record in the EHR,” is available on AHIMA’s Web site at http://library.ahima.org/xpedio/groups/public/documents/ahima/bok1_02753.

AHIMA also provides the public with free educational resources about personal health information and PHR’s through its Web site, www.myphr.com, and community-based presentations offered by its network of 52 affiliated component state associations. Topics include how to access medical records, privacy rights, and starting a PHR.

FORE provides financial and intellectual resources to sustain and recognize continuous innovation and advances in HIM for the betterment of the profession, healthcare, and the public. For more information about FORE, go to www.ahima.org/fore.

The AHIMA is the premier association of HIM professionals. AHIMA’s 50,000 members are dedicated to the effective management of personal health information needed to deliver quality healthcare to the public. Founded in 1928 to improve the quality of medical records, AHIMA is committed to advancing the HIM profession in an increasingly electronic and global environment through leadership in advocacy, education, certification, and lifelong learning. For information about the Association, go to www.ahima.org.