Creating a Personal Health Record: What to Track & Why

Because Your Health Story Deserves a Place — All in One Spot!

Imagine having all your important health information right at your fingertips — doctor visits, test results, medications, allergies, and more — organized and ready when you need it most. That’s the power of a Personal Health Record (PHR)!

Whether you’re managing a chronic illness, coordinating care for a loved one, or just want to stay on top of your wellness game, keeping your own health record can save time, reduce stress, and help you make informed decisions. 🧠💡

What Is a Personal Health Record?

A Personal Health Record (PHR) is a tool that YOU create and manage. It’s not the same as your doctor’s chart — it’s your own portable, comprehensive, and personalized record of your health.

It can be digital (stored on an app or online), handwritten (in a binder or journal), or a mix of both — whatever works for you!

Why You Should Keep a Personal Health Record

• Share it easily between different providers

• Avoid duplicate tests or procedures

• Keep track of patterns in symptoms or responses to meds

• Be ready in case of emergencies

• Manage your child’s or loved one’s health information

• Have access when traveling

• Stay proactive about preventive care and appointments

It’s like your health cheat sheet — and you’re the boss of it!

Where Can You Keep It?

• Health apps like Apple Health, MyChart, or My Health Records

• Online PHR platforms like:

  • www.myphr.com

  • www.healthvault.com (Note: Microsoft HealthVault closed, but some tools still reference it)

• Spreadsheets or digital folders (Google Drive, Dropbox)

• Printed binder or notebook

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What to Include in Your Personal Health Record

Here's what’s helpful to track:

• Basic Information: Name, date of birth, emergency contacts

• Allergies: Medications, food, environmental

• Medications: Name, dose, frequency, prescribing doctor

• Immunizations: Dates and types of vaccines

• Medical Conditions: Diagnosed illnesses, chronic conditions

• Surgeries & Hospitalizations: Dates, procedures, complications

• Provider Contact Info: Names and details of your doctors, specialists, pharmacies

• Family Medical History: Health issues of close relatives

• Test Results: Lab work, imaging reports, screenings

• Insurance Info: Current plans, policy numbers, ID cards

• Advance Directives: Living will, healthcare proxy, DNR (if applicable)

• Mental Health History: Therapy, medications, diagnoses

• Vision/Dental Care: Exams, prescriptions, procedures

• Lifestyle & Wellness Info: Diet, exercise, smoking status, sleep patterns

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Personal Health Record Starter Checklist

Use this to begin building or updating your PHR:

🔲 Full name, DOB, and emergency contacts

🔲 List of current medications & dosages

🔲 Allergies (medications, foods, etc.)

🔲 Immunization records

🔲 Primary care and specialist contacts

🔲 Insurance details & member ID numbers

🔲 Medical history (conditions, surgeries, hospital stays)

🔲 Lab and test results

🔲 Mental health info (therapist names, diagnoses, meds)

🔲 Family health history (any major hereditary conditions)

🔲 Dental & vision care history

🔲 Advance directives (if any)

🔲 Wellness tracker (blood pressure, glucose, symptoms, moods)

🔲 A place to store your latest visit summaries or discharge instructions

💬 Final Thoughts

Creating a Personal Health Record may feel like a big task at first, but once it's set up — wow, it’s a total game-changer! It empowers you, helps your care team, and gives you peace of mind knowing you're organized and in control. 🧘‍♀️✨

Even starting with just a few sections can make a huge difference. One step at a time — and you've got this!