What is a personal health record?

A personal health record, often called a PHR, is a tool that lets you enter, manage, and track your important medical information. Some health care providers, insurance companies, and employers offer patients access to these tools.

The National Cancer Institute explains that a PHR is similar to the electronic medical record your doctor keeps, with one key difference: you are the one who keeps the PHR and controls who sees it. That means you can store details such as your diagnosis, treatments, test results, and medicines in one place and share them when it is useful.

A PHR is just one option. A notebook, calendar, folder, or app can work too. What matters most is using a system you will keep up with, so your records stay organized and easy to find. If you are not sure where to start, a hospital social worker can help.