Creating a Portable Health Record (PHR)
What is a portable health record?
A portable health record (PHR) is a way for you to make your own copy of your health information. A PHR is helpful as it keeps your most important health information in one place. It helps to make sure you get the safest health care services you need, no matter where you are when you need them.
A PHR can come in many shapes and sizes. It can be kept on a piece of paper or in an electronic format such as a flash drive, or a word document. Patients of UW Health can find some of this information at “my chart”. You should choose a format that works best for YOU. To start this process, hospital staff can help you complete a paper copy while you are still in the hospital if you are interested.
What type of information should you include on your PHR?
This is not a complete list of information. You can choose what to have in your PHR to best fit YOUR life. Here are some ideas.
What type of information should you include on your PHR?
This is not a complete list of information. You can choose what to have in your PHR to best fit YOUR life. Here are some ideas.
- Emergency contact information.
- Doctors who care for you on a regular basis.
- Hospital you prefer.
- Insurance information
o Insurance company
o Benefits information (Medicare or Medicaid). - Medical conditions.
- Medicines.
o Prescribed by a doctor
o Bought at the store
o How much and when you take them - Functional status (that is, what activities you are able to do on your own or with help).
o Vision and hearing.
o Speech and swallowing.
o Your ability to move around (mobility).
o Your ability to solve problems, remember things, and so on (cognition). - Allergies.
- Immunizations.
- Medical equipment (for example, wheelchair or walker).
o What type of equipment do you have?
o Where did you get it?
o When did you last get it updated or fixed? - Prosthetic (artificial limb or body part) and orthotic (support device) information.
o Type of prosthetic or orthotic.
o Who made it for you?
o When did you last get it updated or fixed? - Risk factors (for example, high risk of falling).
Why is a portable health record so important?
Having a PHR means that every time you need to see a doctor or go to the emergency room, your health information is at your fingertips. A PHR lowers the risk of medical errors because doctors won’t have to guess how to treat you. Any healthcare provider will be able to see your medical information with your permission.
When you are away from home and need medical attention right away, you won’t need to call your doctor to get your health information. If you are traveling or if you are a college student going to school out-of-town, it is all right there on your PHR! A PHR will set your mind at ease in an emergency because getting your medical information from your doctor will be one less thing to worry about.
Having a PHR is helpful because it puts YOU in charge. It lets you become a more active and independent member in your healthcare.
How do you make a portable health record?
First, choose a style that works best for you.
- Would you like to carry a paper copy?
- Would it be easier for you to carry a small flash drive or CD instead of a notebook or folder?
- Would you prefer to use the internet to make and update your PHR?
- Would you like to have it as an "App" on your smart phone or device?
- UW Health customers with "My Chart" can set-up a "Lucy" account
Second, get the materials.
- Obtain your medical information from your health care providers
- Lined notebook paper, folder(s), index card(s)
- Flash drive or blank CD
- Download your preferred "App" to your device
- Find a website that helps you create a PHR. Some are free, but others charge a monthly or yearly fee
- Contact your health care provider to see if a PHR is available through your electronic medical record. UW Health customers can contact: https://uwhealthmychart.org/mychart/
Third, write down or enter your general medical information. See the previous page for suggestions of information to include. You can use our template to guide you, or create your own style that fits your life.
Once you have a portable health record, it is important to keep the information current. Plan to update the data after each doctor appointment, especially the medications.
The information provided should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
Last Updated: 07/24/2012
Copyright © 07/24/2012 University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics Authority. All rights reserved. Produced by the Department of Nursing. HF#7126
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