AARP on Tuesday announced the launch of AARP Health Record. By connecting with Microsoft HealthVault, it enables people over 50 to store their personal health information in a secure, central location and share it selectively with caregivers and family members.
 
Officials say Health Record, which is offered free to AARP members, makes it easy to create and maintain security-enhanced, up-to-date electronic records that can be accessed from an Internet connection. By storing all of their health information in one location, members can partner more effectively with their doctors and other healthcare providers, be better prepared for emergencies and reduce wasteful and redundant paperwork.

[See also: AARP pledges its support for healthcare IT.]
 
“AARP Health Record is designed to help our members better manage their health so they can focus on the things they care about most," said AARP Vice President Nicole Duritz.
 
The tool will offer AARP members a convenient way to track and manage basic health information, such as blood type, drug allergies, medications, and personal and family health history as well as emergency and provider contact information, officials note. Users can also print and carry an easy-to-read wallet card with their vital health statistics.  Health Record is available in both English and Spanish.
 
AARP Health Record connects to Microsoft HealthVault, a privacy- and security-enhanced online platform that enables individuals to compile and store personal health information from multiple sources in a single location, and to create additional profiles for their spouse, children, aging parents or anyone whose health they need to monitor or help manage.

HealthVault account holders can select among hundreds of connected health and wellness applications to monitor chronic conditions and share data with their doctors, or track progress against wellness or fitness goals.  For example, AARP members will be able to import prescription history from a HealthVault-connected pharmacy – such as CVS Caremark or Walgreens – into their AARP Health Record, or choose to enter prescriptions manually.

[See also: Microsoft announces 'Direct' way to move from Google Health to HealthVault.]
 
“AARP is a trusted source of health information for millions of Americans, and AARP Health Record will establish the organization as a leader in helping people navigate the healthcare system,” said Nate McLemore, general manager, Microsoft Health Solutions Group. “With this new tool, AARP will increase its value to members by offering them a better way to manage their health and the health of their families.”
 
AARP officials say Health Record is part of a broader vision for the group to develop online tools and services specifically tailored to AARP members and all people 50-plus, helping them manage their medications and chronic conditions and navigate the health system.
 
“This is the future of healthcare,” added Duritz. “Our members need information that is current and convenient, so they can ask smart questions and communicate effectively with the healthcare system, whether they are in their doctor's office or halfway around the world on vacation. Health Record is a great resource for our members to use when interacting with the medical system – whether for themselves, their kids or their aging parents and other loved ones.”