Getting Started for PHR Providers

So you offer an online personal health record to your patients and want to offer them Blue Button, the simplest way to download personal health information. Here are some easy steps to get started:

1. Visit the Blue Button license site to get your free license of the Blue Button logo.

2. Think about what data you already offer online to users.  Consider starting by offering a downloadable version of just those data elements.

3. Now that you’ve thought about the data types a little bit, now it’s time to think about designing the Blue Button download capability. You’ll want to make this a simple feature and consider questions such as, “Will patients be able to Blue Button download only portions of their health record?” and “Will they be able to restrict the download by time range?”. 

4. With a use model in hand, your development team can create the Blue Button download functionality and test its usability.  For questions about the code, contact vabluebutton@va.gov.

5. Now you are ready to implement! Don’t forget to display the Blue Button logo on your website in a prominent place so your users know they can simply and safely download their personal health information.

If you don’t offer a PHR right now, consider offering a simple, secure platform where your users can view, print, and download their Blue Button file.   You could create your own, use an open source solution, or purchase a commercial product.  Each has advantages and will influence how you proceed with providing the Blue Button service to your users.

Not a health care organization?  You can still use Blue Button!  For example, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) offers claims data for download through its online patient portal.

Any questions? We are happy to help. Email us at vabluebutton@va.gov.