by Thomas Collins •
Thomas Collins is a freelance medical writer based in Florida.
Disclosure: Dr. Steckowych is also chair of the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery Medical Informatics Committee but was not representing the organization in her comments to ENTtoday.
A personal health record (PHR) is a medical record managed by the patient. It includes the same information contained in an electronic medical record—such as diagnoses, medications, immunizations, family medical histories—but is designed as a way for the patient to manage his or her personal medical data. A PHR can be generated by physicians, the patient, hospitals, or other sources, and can link to electronic health records, but it is ultimately controlled by the patient.