One of the big limitations to electronic medical records of all stripes is coping with the trail of legacy-paper records that already exists when the digital system goes on place. Sure, it's possible to get everything online over time, but there's no question that it's a big hassle.
That being said, you've got to start somewhere, and Google has decided that it's time to open that door. Last week, the company's Google Health PHR has launched a new feature allow consumers to upload and store scanned paper documents in their PHR account. Google is particularly stressing that consumers upload an advance directive, working with an advance directive provider known as Caring Connections to provide a free, downloadable AD form customized for all 50 states.
Earlier this year, the big G also launched a feature letting users share their PHR data with chosen family members and friends. To make sure users aren't worried that they'll lose control of their personal health information, Google is taking pains to provide an audit trail for record access and making sure all shared records are read-only.
To learn more about Google's latest PHR upgrades:
- read this TechCrunch piece
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