What is the difference between a PHR and an Electronic Health Record (EHR) or Electronic Medical Record (EMR)?

September 20, 2009 by admin

The main difference between a PHR and an EHR/EMR is where the control lies. Some doctors and hospitals are now using electronic health and/or medical records to track clinical information about their patients in the same way they used traditional paper medical records. He or she may now use the EHR to keep and protect most of the documentation and reports about the patient and the care he or she has provided. The Personal Health Record (PHR) is under the control of the consumer. Some of the information in your PHR may have been provided by your health plan, your doctor, and you may also enter some information manually. And while the doctor or hospital has control over the electronic health record maintained in his or her office, the individual or patient controls their personal health record (PHR).