Medicare PHR Choice

Starting in January 2009, Medicare will begin a new program to offer Personal Health Records (PHRs) to people living in Arizona and Utah who have Original Medicare - this program is called Medicare PHR Choice. In this program, you will be able to have your health information safely stored in one place and available anywhere you can access the Internet. You can allow your doctors to view your PHR on-line, or you can print a hard copy report with a summary of your health history and medicines and take it with you to an appointment.

When you have a PHR through Medicare PHR Choice, Medicare will automatically add your Part A and Part B claims directly into your PHR. You can add other personal health information, such as medications, allergies, contact information for your doctors and dentists, and information about your family health history. Each PHR tool has unique features and services, so you will want to look at each one and decide how well it meets your needs.

To be a part of the Medicare PHR Choice program, follow these steps:

Review each of the different PHR tools available. Some PHRs are free and others have a monthly or annual fee, so you will want to think about this as you review the different features offered. Select the PHR you want to use, and sign-up for a PHR on their website. Request that your Medicare claims be added to your record automatically. Once you have set-up your PHR, you can request for your Medicare claims to be added.

Choose one of the following PHR vendors participating in the Medicare PHR Choice:

• PassportMD
• NoMoreClipboard.com
• Healthtrio
• Google (Health) will be live soon

Here are some questions to consider when evaluating the PHRs:

• Can the PHR import my claims or medical information from my health plan and/or doctors?
• What kinds of features does the PHR offer, such as the ability to print a list of my medications or conditions?
• Can I give permission to my doctors or family members to look at my PHR for me?
• Does the PHR offer links to other websites that provide educational information about health issues?
• Is there a monthly or annual fee to use the PHR? Is there a cost for “extra” features?
• What will happen to my information if the company that provides the PHR goes out of business or becomes part of another company?
• What are the PHR's privacy and security policies?

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