NIH starts tool for electronic health records

National Library of Medicine has created a free tool to furnish patients' electronic health records with information specific to their conditions.

The National Institutes of Health’s National Library of Medicine has started MedlinePlus Connect, a free tool that links electronic health records (EHRs) with consumer health information.

The tool connects patient EHRs to MedlinePlus.gov, a database that pulls timely information from NIH, other federal agencies, and reputable health information providers. MedlinePlus Connect allows patients to access the latest information on their specific health needs, which may help eligible health care providers meet the criteria for “meaningful use” of EHRs and get incentive payments under the economic stimulus law.