Method and system for communication and collaboration between a patient and healthcare professional

摘要

Methods and platforms for enhancing collaboration and communication between a patient and his healthcare team are described. A personal health record is created for a patient and maintained by a service provider. The health record is updated with self-monitored or remote device readings. These readings are sent, in a secure format that insures patient privacy, to the service provider and inserted into a health record via a computer connected to the Internet or via a telephone line without the use of a computer, i.e., by directly connecting an intermediate device to a phone outlet. Other health and wellness data may be written to the health record via a computer or via conventional means. Personal health records are created with minimal effort from healthcare professionals and patients. Third-party companies in the healthcare industry, such as insurance companies and pharmaceutical companies, can sponsor programs encouraging the creation of personal health records and, in turn, receive depersonalized summary information from the service provider to study healthcare trends. By enhancing collaboration between patients and their healthcare teams, patients are more likely to improve their health conditions, particularly chronic conditions, and reduce healthcare costs.