I Googled “personal health record” and the first site that came up was www.myphr.com , a personal health record guide provided by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA). And here’s what they say about personal health records: "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 health care. 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" It also includes this sentence, which I found most interesting: "Your physical health record belongs to your healthcare provider, but the information in it belongs to you!" Damn right, I say. Which is why a personal health record, one you compile on your own and apart from what your doctor has, can be so important. Especially if it’s portable – online and easily accessible by you anywhere you happen to be. The folks at MyHealthMyWorld.com are developing an online PHR and this is what they have to say about portability: "…A physician has a duty to keep your record for 7 or 10 years – so what happens when you get a recurrent symptom in your fifties that relates to a condition from 15 years ago, when you had a different doctor and lived in a different place?" They go on: The utility of personal health records extends beyond the benefit of mobility that travel, or relocation or students going off to college. So it’s time I take control of my own health record. MyHealthMyWorld’s free PHR is one of a number of PHRs that are available. Many you have to pay for. Free is good in my book. I’m going to start by creating one – also free – at ihealthrecord.org. I’ll write about my first experiences with it at my next post.