Google Health and other tools
Posted By: Karla Salazar 
Date Posted: January 25th, 2010 Category: Being a Patient
In today’s world filled with technology, I am being reminded daily of the different tools available to me to make it easier to keep up with my own health. For example, Google Health is available in which you can fill out your own information and let others securely access it. I still haven’t tried it out, but I’m curious to hear from others that use it how it’s helped them out???
Or if there are other tools that you know about please let me know. Being a mother of 5, I think something like this would be great to keep up with all of my kids’ allergies, vaccinations, etc.
I wish there was a universal system in which all docs could access the information if given permission to reduce the time spent in the doc offices filling out paperwork.
Comment By: Emily Carter
Date & Time: January 25, 2010 at 3:44 pm
I'm curious to hear from others who have used Google Health as well. To me the idea of having my personal health records online is a little freaky. At least the initial thought. But I guess it's no riskier than banking or paying bills online. The convenience of a universal system would be outstanding. And very green!
Comment By: Frances Whitman
Date & Time: January 27, 2010 at 5:17 pm
I think technology like Google Health is a good tool for personal use. Good way to keep you or your family's health records organized, but there are too many hurdles to jump before everyone is on board with a universal system for EMRs.
What would it take to get all providers on the same OS? Where would the records for everyone be hosted/served? And how will it be accessed by different physicians, pharmacists, etc. securely. What about HIPAA concerns?
Does anyone have more to offer about this topic? What is the latest word on EMRs?
Comment By: Karla Salazar
Date & Time: January 28, 2010 at 12:02 am
There would be some things to tweak on this but thought I would share info on the brand new iPad. Watch a great video on the product and its functions here: http://mashable.com/2010/01/27/ipad/.
What do you think of something like this as a universal system?
Frances you make a good point on hosting…not sure how that would work.
Comment By: Sylvia Robbins
Date & Time: January 28, 2010 at 5:04 pm
Google Health is one of several personal health record programs out there. I agree that idea of keeping all your medical records in one place online is a good one, but I think security is a big concern, especially when you're talking about non-medical providers keeping your information.
To try to combine the best features of existing personal health records, BJC developed http://www.myHealthFolders.com a number of years ago. MyHealthFolders allows you to enter medical history, recent test results, medications and emergency contacts for you and your family members online, then print out an emergency card you can carry with you. Should something happen, emergency responders can pull up your record using a code on your emergency card, and know who to call and what health conditions you have. On a less scary note, you can print reports from myHealthFolders that you can take with you when you see your doctor, send your child to camp or assist an elderly relative.
Check out http://www.myHealthFolders.com for more info.
Comment By: Tiffany Sewell
Date & Time: January 30, 2010 at 3:15 pm
I've found my myHealthFolders account invaluable – when my husband and I went on our honeymoon, I was able to print off our medical records to take with us, just in case. My grandmother uses her account to print off her medication report, so she doesn't have to carry all of her pill bottles with her everywhere. It also comes in handy when going to see a new physician, because I don't have to worry about remembering all of my medical history, or spending time filling out those forms.
Comment By: Fredrick Roberts
Date & Time: July 9, 2011 at 4:45 pm
Appears google health is discontinuing service by the end of this year. http://www.google.com/intl/en-US/health/about/