CMS and PHRs
Does CMS offer a Personal Health Record (PHR) for people with Medicare?
CMS does not offer PHRs to people with Medicare, but we do want to help educate people about the uses and benefits of PHRs so that they can make wise choices when choosing and using one. CMS is also evaluating the kinds of PHRs that exist today, and comparing their services they offer in order to determine the kinds of things that are helpful to people with Medicare. We will use this information to conduct additional pilots and to better promote PHRs for people with Medicare.
For example, in June 2007, CMS began a study of PHRs for some people with Medicare using PHRs that were available through their Medicare Advantage Plans or Medicare Prescription Drug Plans. This study will help CMS evaluate the content and functions of different PHR tools and how they are used by people with Medicare. The study will also help CMS understand the best ways to educate people with Medicare about PHRs. For more details about this project, visit www.cms.hhs.gov/PerHealthRecords/ on the web.
CMS is also planning to launch another PHR pilot program in 2008 specifically for people in the Original Medicare Plan (fee-for-service) who live in South Carolina. This pilot will offer these individuals the opportunity to create and use a PHR containing their own claims data. Details about this study will be posted to www.medicare.gov as they become available.
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