The Integrated Personal Health Record and the Involved Consumer

August 18, 2009 American healthcare is evolving and individual consumers are realizing they must take on more responsibility for driving fundamental change. They are being spurred by a greater financial stake in the outcome of their healthcare choices. And they are supported by technology advances that give them access to and control over their own health information. But information is not enough. In this brief, the role of the PHR in improving quality and lowering costs is discussed. Consumers need improved access to providers, the ability to choose care based on cost and quality, and resources that encourage them in . . .