Healthcare providers, others reach agreement on PHR privacy protections.

The AP reports that "Google, Inc., Microsoft Corp., and a hodgepodge of healthcare providers and insurers have agreed on ground rules for protecting the privacy of the sensitive information" contained in personal health records (PHRs). The companies are "hoping to persuade more people to store their medical records online," by "reassuring patients that they can enjoy the convenience of keeping their medical histories in online filing cabinets, without worrying that will open a door for outsiders to peruse the data without their knowledge." Comment: It is unfortunate that so many physicians are Luddites, using every excuse they can dredge up to avoid using technology to improve practice outcome, prevent medication errors, and limit E.R. access to patient records. No other developed nation is as far behind the use of PHR as tHe U.S. We should not have to wait for Google and Microsoft to manage patient records for us.