Banking on health: Personal records and information exchange

Consumer demand for personal health records (PHRs) and the capabilities provided by regional health information organizations (RHIOs) will change healthcare, just as automatic teller machines have changed banking. The PHR is predicated on the existence of electronic medical records (EMRs) and electronic health records (EHRs). Patient and consumer principles guiding the development of the PHR reflect issues of access, control, privacy, and security. Working models illustrate the variations of RHIOs and PHRs possible and suggest the benefits that electronic information exchange can accrue for healthcare and healthcare consumers. Today both the private and public sectors are working to define the issues involved in efforts that are now taking place and that will transform healthcare. Consumers are ready for the type of changes that will improve healthcare quality.