A personal medical record (PMR) and personal health record (PHR) are medical or health records where the patient information is maintained by the patient. Personal health records are accessible online and provides patient records and a complete summary of the patient’s medical history.
PMR and PHR, which are used interchangeably here, are different from electronic medical records (EMR). EMR is a software system used by physicians to record the same information that would be recorded on paper-based medical records. The data in EMR are legally mandated notes on the care provided to patients. Patients are not required to store personal medical information in a PMR, but using a PMR is a convenient way to store and access personal records.