In Summary
Although public and private incentive programs are moving more medical practices to offer PHRs, the momentum also includes patient expectations and well-integrated information systems. Practices considering integrating PHRs should consider the following:
• The need for staff to promote the benefits of PHRs to patients
• Increased patient engagement in their own health
• Ease of access to medical information for both providers and patients
Robert Redling is a freelance writer based in Tacoma, Wash. He has been practice management editor for Physicians Practice, Web content editor and senior writer for the Medical Group Management Association, and a speechwriter for the American Academy of Family Physicians. He can be reached via editor@physicianspractice.com.
This article originally appeared in the October 2012 issue of Physicians Practice.
