This is a specialized use of the term, as opposed to an electronic medical record- EMR. A distinguishing characteristic of PHR is that is owned and under the control of a patient or the patient’s designated representative. A PHR is housed in the form of an electronic application used to maintain and manage their health information in a private, secure and confidential environment. PHRs do not replace provider medical records. Data may be entered directly by the patient and may be tethered to provider(s) to allow for automatic updates. Source: Adapted from healthit.gov and other sources.