Google Health Services

Google Health services have become available and active online. This free service allows users to manage medical records with a Google account. Google Health users can also utilize healthy living tools and medical advice from experts. With this new health service model, users may be able to access safer and better-managed medical care.

The new Google Health service will allow users to create an electronic health profile. The profile, on Google Health, will bridge medical records imported from various pharmacies and testing laboratories. Users will also be able to input and update their own known medical information. The amount of information and how that information is shared will be subject to the users' discretion. Online tools and advice are accessible to keep track of a users' personal medical information and to obtain second opinions.

HOW TO ACCESS GOOGLE HEALH:
You can sign up using your current Google account or create a new one. Once created, and then verified by email, you are ready to go online with Google Health. Before beginning the management of your account, you must agree to a Google authorization form. The form, in reference to the sharing of a users medical records states; "information contained in my Google Health Profile(s) in its entirety, to only those entities and individuals I designate..." In addition, you contend that the information available may contain sensitive health material, such as HIV, pregnancy, and abortion records.

Once you log in to your Google Health Profile, you can begin to manage your account. Four resources are available to begin.
1.Add to this Google Health Profile: This link allows you to access information and resources about specific health issues and concerns. Various conditions, diseases, illnesses, and disorders are available to research by alphabetical order or keyword search.

2.Import Medical Records: You can copy medical record information and get updates automatically sent to those records.
When you link to a website, be advised, you may be authorizing that website to read your Google Health profile and to automatically send update information. When signing up for each website, you will have the ability to choose what permissions to grant them individually. In addition, when accessing a website to link to your profile, a pin number may be required from your primary physician. Some of the websites on Google Health include Walgreen's Pharmacy, Quest Diagnostics, and RX America. In the future, Google Health hopes to add many more links.

3.Explore online Health Services: Tools may be accessed for managing your medical records and managing your health. You can access tools such as the American Heart Associations Heart Attack Rick Calculator. There are also many other tools and services which allow you to keep track of immunizations, medications, refill schedules and more.

4. Find a doctor: You can search by name, specialty or specific location for a medical professional that accepts your insurance and is accessible in your area.

In addition, you can use Google Health to add health and statistical information. For instance, a user can list their age, gender, race, height and weight. Users can also list allergies, prescription and OTC listings, blood type, herbal supplement listings, and drug allergy information. A Google Health user can also post and keep track of test results, immunizations, and medical procedures.

The Google Health interface is simple to use. The third party websites are common and general companies, Google Health will have to bring a wider spectrum of pharmacies and laboratories to reach more online users. The top pharmacies in the U.S, except for Walgreen's are not included yet in Google Health. These third party sites may very well become linked to Google Health's futures competition, like Microsoft Corp. Many of the resources and links are easy to find in alphabetical order or by keyword. Areas for input allows for as much or as little information as the user may want. Critics have questioned the security of Google Health, leaving users insecure about posting their medical history online. The vulnerability of users will be the determining factor for the success (or lack there of) for Google.

Other sources have begun to create online health services like Google Health. These services, as well as Google Health will sink or sail on how well personal information is handled. Many users may be resistant to having any sensitive information uploaded to the volatile internet. Google Health has taken several steps to protect their users. They have strengthened and updated security on their servers, where medical records will be stored. Google Health users can also decide which medical organizations can access, read, and send updates to their profiles. The user permissions for third party websites are adjustable with each provider.

Google Health Privacy Policy:
For users who want Google Health to secure their information, Google has posted a Privacy Policy for their health services.
Google states on their frequently asked question page, "We will never sell your personal health information or data. We will not share your health data with individuals or third parties unless you explicitly tell us to do so or except in certain limited circumstances described in our privacy policy."

The Google Health Privacy Policy gives users information on how their medical records will be secured. The user will be in full control of personal health information. The user decides who can view, edit, or share their information. Google Health declares they will not sell, rent, or share your private health information. The health service user will be able to delete their account at any time. If a user shares information from Google Health with others, a list of who had access can be viewed by the user. With this list, at any time, the user can revoke someone's ability to read his or her health information.

Google Health depends on third party websites for medical information and records. These websites are given permission to send medical information to the user, once linked to them. Google Health Privacy Policy states that information sent to these third party websites can be stored and this copy will be "...governed by that website's privacy policy". Federal and state privacy laws, such as the HIPAA Privacy Act, can govern the third party websites accessed through Google Health. Those laws will govern how your information is shared and stored. Authorization from users may be necessary with some site

For more information on Google's overall privacy policy, which will also umbrella their health services, you may read Google's Privacy Policy.