What is a personal health record?

A personal health record, or PHR, is an electronic application through which patients can maintain and manage their health information (and that of others for whom they are authorized) in a private, secure, and confidential environment.

For information about PHRs and the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) Privacy Rule, please view the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office for Civil Rights’ guidance on this topic.