What is a Personal Health Record (PHR)?

A Personal Health Record (PHR) is defined as a record kept by an individual to track their own health information. This may include a variety of personal health data such as medical history, medications, allergies, immunizations, laboratory results, and other relevant health-related information. The key aspect of a PHR is that it empowers individuals to take an active role in managing their health and makes it easier for them to share their health information with healthcare providers as needed.

In contrast to the other options, which refer to records or systems that are controlled or maintained by healthcare entities or organizations, a PHR is specifically designed for personal use by the patient. This distinction underlines the importance of patient engagement in managing and understanding health, which can lead to better health outcomes.