Online medical records can help families manage health issues

Technology - the Internet in particular - is revolutionizing health care by enabling us to gain quick and easy access to vital health-care information, including our own medical history and those of loved ones.

As employer-sponsored health plans feature more consumer-directed health plans, access to online personal health records is becoming more relevant. Such access can be used as a tool to foster better use of health-care services in the battle against rising health-care costs. That means knowing specifics about your health history and applying that knowledge to the type of care you pursue and treatments you receive.

There are a number of health insurers and hospitals that offer free online personal health records for their patients. However, a recent survey by Harris Interactive found that only 7 percent of adults in the U.S. use online personal health records and 35 percent of respondents were unaware such a resource even exists.

Personal health records contain information such as current medical conditions, medication history - including prescription names, dosages and refill dates - lab results, immunization records and more that can help doctors in the event you need treatment.

For example, the personal health record offered by UnitedHealthcare already contains information from a member's medical and pharmaceutical claims.

Members can also enter self-reported information for their own tracking and reference, including blood pressure, weight, blood sugar and cholesterol levels, allergies and vaccinations.

For families, access to this type of information can be handy for kids who may be required to complete a physical exam or provide an immunization update to participate in a particular school function.

Online personal health records enable college students, many of whom attend university out of state and travel abroad, to easily access their medical records any time.

We all need to take responsibility for our own health. Knowing your personal health history and being able to access that information is a good step toward taking on that responsibility.

Easier access to medical records will help us take greater charge of our health and make better health decisions.

Ask your doctor or health plan to see if you can create a personal health record for you and your family.

Eric Christianson is the medical director for United-Healthcare of Wisconsin.