Google Health is designed to put users in charge of their health information. It allows for the aggregation of all health information in one accessible location, the ability to gather medical records from doctors, hospitals and pharmacies, and allows for sharing the information, with permission, with family, doctors and caregivers. The goal is to help users make more informed decisions and get personalized recommendations from specialists.

Users volunteer health records by inputting the information manually and/or merging their information with partnered health service providers in the the Google Health system to create one centralized profile. The information can include health conditions, allergies, medications and lab results. Google Health then uses that information to offer a personalized “health guide” for treatment suggestions, diet and exercise regimens and potential drug interactions. The user can opt to receive reminder messages to visit a doctor or refill a prescription. It also offers information on nearby doctors and specialists.

Google guarantees confidentiality with the service with the user always in control of its use. It only accesses information volunteered with explicit consent and action. It must be noted, however, that Google Health is not a “covered entity” under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 so privacy laws are not applied. Some suggest that the service may actually be more private than paper health records due to less human involvement and interaction.

With the “Share this Profile” feature, family members, doctors, caregivers or any other trusted source may be given permission to access the information. This can be useful and even lifesaving information in an emergency situation. For example, it can tell a hospital emergency room physician what medications are being taken or health conditions to consider. Information can stop being shared at any time and the user always knows who has accessed the information. Users are also able to share a hardcopy of the information in PDF format or wallet-sized format that lists allergies and medications.

Categories: Glossary
Tags: google health