A Personal Health Record (PHR) allows patients to do what?

A Personal Health Record (PHR) empowers patients to maintain and access their own health information. This includes a comprehensive collection of their medical history, medications, allergies, test results, and other pertinent health-related data. The fundamental aspect of a PHR is that it is patient-centric, meaning individuals actively manage their health records, which enhances their ability to participate in their own care and make informed decisions.

While the other options may reflect components of healthcare or patient engagement, they do not encapsulate the primary function of a PHR. Patients typically cannot access their medical insurance policies through a PHR, and while following up on prescription refills and scheduling medical appointments are important health management tasks, they do not represent the full scope of maintaining health information that a PHR offers. Thus, focusing on the ability to maintain and access personal health data distinctly highlights the essence of a PHR.