About HealthTracks
Electronic personal health records are tools with the potential to improve how patients manage their care. Web-based access to personal health information – lab/test results, prescription drug data, treatment history, provider information – will greatly empower those who you represent – the 100 million Americans with a chronic medical condition or disability.
The National Health Council has formed a partnership with America's Health Insurance Plans (AHIP) to ensure the needs of patients with chronic conditions are met as electronic personal health records (PHRs) are developed and enhanced by health insurers. Our goal is to increase consumer awareness and use of these important tools. While our initial efforts will focus on two markets – Massachusetts and Northern California, it is important everyone knows about the importance of personal health records.
Our effort is focused on three key audiences: (1) people with chronic conditions who need access to their health information online today; (2) health information seekers; and (3) patient advocates interested in improving quality and helping consumers.
Through our research, we've learned consumers need information about electronic personal health records, not sound bites. They want to know how they work, understand their benefits, and make sure they've been developed with a "patient-centric" focus. Consumers also believe that voluntary health agencies are a credible source of information on PHRs. This is why we formed HealthTracks.
Our joint partnership will ensure consumers with chronic conditions learn about PHRs. Representing nearly 1,300 insurance providers, AHIP, in partnership with the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association has set industry standards for its member companies who are creating PHRs that are transportable among members.
Together we will bring together the Council Members' affiliates in Massachusetts and Northern California to deliver information to voluntary health agencies and patients about PHRs. To date, nearly 25 local voluntary health organizations have signed up to participate. Also participating are the health insurers who provide services in these two areas.
About the National Health Council
The National Health Council is a private, nonprofit organization of 115 national health-related organizations working to bring quality health care to all people. Its core membership includes 50 of the nation’s leading voluntary health agencies representing approximately 100 million people with chronic diseases and/or disabilities. Other Council members include professional and membership associations, nonprofit organizations with an interest in health, and major pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies. The Council serves as a place for diverse health-related groups to build consensus with a focus on patients and their needs.
About the America's Health Insurance Plans
America’s Health Insurance Plans (AHIP) is the national association representing nearly 1,300 member companies providing health insurance coverage to more than 200 million Americans. Our member companies offer medical expense insurance, long-term care insurance, disability income insurance, dental insurance, supplemental insurance, stop-loss insurance and reinsurance to consumers, employers, and public purchasers. Our goal is to provide a unified voice for the health care financing industry, to expand access to high-quality, cost-effective health care to all Americans, and to ensure Americans’ financial security through robust insurance markets, product flexibility and innovation, and an abundance of consumer choice.
