State urges people to start gathering, storing medical records on the Web

The state wants more Californians to embrace online personal health records.

Based on a survey of California's major health insurers, the state Department of Insurance is encouraging Golden State consumers to use Web-based personal health records, or PHRs for short.

It's a concept similar to Google Health, a new venture announced Monday by the online giant, which offers consumers a place to gather, store and manage their personal medical records. The Mountain View-based company allows users to import medical records from a variety of health care providers and pharmacies.

Last fall, Microsoft Corp. also launched a Web site for managing personal health and medical information.

PHRs typically include information on prescriptions, hospitalizations, doctor visits, lab tests, outpatient procedures and family medical history. Consumers can add information to their online files.

Despite their availability through insurers and managed-care groups, not enough Californians are using PHRs, according to a report to be issued today by the state's Insurance Department.

It stated that PHRs are efficient and secure, and give consumers a place to better manage their health care and deal with insurance claims.

While online medical records are hailed by some as a welcome trend, some privacy advocates are skeptical about the ability of companies like Microsoft and Google to protect consumer privacy online.

The Institute for Health Freedom in Washington, D.C., has been among those urging caution with PHRs.

"While providing information is essential when seeking services, one shouldn't be forced to give up privacy and the freedom to withhold consent," said founder and President Sue Blevins on the institute's Web site.

"In fact, as the nation moves toward interoperable electronic medical records, it's important for citizens to gain greater privacy and control over their health information."

State officials said Monday, however, that the PHRs already available through insurers like Aetna, Blue Shield and Kaiser Permanente are securely managed.

PHRs do not include private clinical information found in electronic medical records used by physicians and hospitals.

Advocates contend that PHRs provide medical professionals with quick access to key patient data and streamline the claims process. Backers also contend that online records are more up to date and can quickly assist physicians during a medical emergency.

Supporters point to the widespread use of online PHRs in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina in 2005, when the paper medical records of many Gulf Coast residents were lost or destroyed.

The Department of Insurance also is expected to announce the creation of a working group to ensure that patients can transfer PHRs when they change insurance companies.

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