The Chicago-based American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA), a nonprofit representing health information management professionals, has developed a guide that aims to help consumers understand how to access and use their medical records. The guide, called Understanding Your Medical Record, was posted to myPHR.com, a website launched the myPHR.com website as a resource for consumers interested in maintaining their own personal health records.
“Helping consumers understand the purpose of a medical record and how to access their clinical information will enhance the relationship between a patient and their doctor or healthcare provider,” AHIMA CEO Lynne Thomas Gordon, said in a statement. “By having access to your record, you can play a more active role in your care and enhance the ability to partner with your provider. As health information managers, we make sure the information in your record is confidential, complete and correct. We want to help patients access their information so that they can take better care of themselves.”
The guide will aim to answer the following questions:
- What is a medical record?
- Why are medical records important to me?
- How can you access your medical record?
- How can you change or correct your medical record?
- How do you file a complaint?
- What is a personal health record?
- Are PHRs and medical records the same thing?
- What should your PHR contain?
- How do I compile my PHR?
- What are patient portals?
