Update 2025: This article is soooo dated, discussing two PHR systems that are both no longer on the market. However, this is the most focused article I have written on why PHRs should -not- be HIPAA covered.

Its time to set the record straight on what are valid criticisms of HealthVault and Google Health and what are not. If you have ever read my posts, then you can be sure that when an organization needs criticizing I am the first to give it them with both barrels. But here both Google and Microsoft need defending.

• Neither Google Health nor HealthVault are HIPAA covered.
• This is a very good thing

But to understand why, I must beg the reader for patience.

The rest of this article is paid-content!