What information goes into a PHR?

Include in your personal health record anything that helps you and your healthcare professionals manage your health. Start with the basics:

• Your healthcare professionals' names and phone numbers.
• Allergies, including medicine allergies.
• Your medicines, including how much you take and how often.
• Illnesses and surgeries you've had and when.
• Procedures, such as mammograms and colonoscopies, you've had and when.
• Ongoing health problems, such as high blood pressure.
• Your living will and advance directives.
• Family medical history.
• History of vaccinations.

You also can add facts about what you do to stay healthy and prevent disease, such as:

• Home blood pressure readings.
• Exercise and eating habits.
• Health goals, such as stopping smoking or losing weight.