RT Journal
A1 Bates DW, Wells S
T1 PErsonal health records and health care utilization
JF JAMA
JO JAMA
YR 2012
FD November 21
VO 308
IS 19
SP 2034
OP 2036
DO 10.1001/jama.2012.68169
UL http://dx.doi.org/10.1001/jama.2012.68169
AB 
There are 2 main electronic architectures: one linked directly to the physician's practice-based electronic health record, the other free-standing in cyberspace, without a linkage. The first architecture appears to be dominating the scene and offers many advantages because it can include specific information from the medical record that is difficult and time-consuming for patients to access otherwise. Functions typically include a problem list, medication list, list of allergies, test results, and links to personalized health information. Additional services such as patient reminders for preventive health checks and the ability for patients to securely e-mail their physicians, make an appointment, ask for a new prescription, and sort out billing claims and payments are often included. Such “tethered” PHRs are called patient portals.