Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Why is Google offering this product?
  2. What kind of health information can I store in Google Health?
  3. How can Google Health help me?
  4. Is Google Health a new way to search for health information?
  5. How much does Google Health cost to use?
  6. If it’s free, how does Google make money off Google Health?
  7. How does Google Health protect the privacy of my health information?
  8. Will my employer or health insurance provider be able to see my Google Health profile?
  9. Does the data I store in Google Health get used for other Google products, like Search?
  10. Is Google Health a PHR (personal health record)?

1. Why is Google offering this product?

It’s what we do. Our corporate mission is to organize the world’s information and make it universally accessible and useful. Health information is very fragmented today, and we think we can help. Google believes the Internet can help users get access to their health information and help people make more empowered and informed health decisions. People already come to Google to search for health information, so we are a natural starting point. In addition, we have a lot of experience storing and managing large amounts of data and developing consumer products that offer a positive and simple user experience.

2. What kind of health information can I store in Google Health?

You can store as much or as little information in Google Health as you want. It's up to you. You can store records of current and past medications, allergies, procedures, immunizations, conditions, and test results. You can enter any of this information on your own, or you can import your medical records from a list of Google Health integrated partners, such as hospitals or neighborhood pharmacies. And remember Google stores your information safely and securely.

3. How can Google Health help me?

Google Health offers a single location to consolidate and store your medical records and personal health information. Saving medical information in one secure location helps you and your doctors have accurate and up-to-date information about your health when you need it the most. This in turn means that your medical treatments may be safer and more effective. You can also use Google Health to access a host of online services and tools, from a variety of third-party companies, that can help you better manage your care.

4. Is Google Health a new way to search for health information?

Not really. Google Health is mostly about helping you collect, store, manage, and share your medical records and health information. There is a search box at the top of every page in Google Health, and if you enter a search query there, you go to the Google.com search results page that you are used to. There is also useful health information built into Google Health, but Google Health is not a new health-specific search engine.

5. How much does Google Health cost to use?

Google Health is completely free. There is no cost to sign up. All you need is a username and a password. And if you already have a Google account set up then you are set.

Google Health is also free to our partners as well. There is no charge to doctors' offices, hospitals, pharmacies, and other companies that partner with Google Health so that you can import medical records into your account safely and securely. Some third party companies that are integrated with Google Health and provide customized services may charge you directly but it's up to you to elect to work with them. Google has no financial relationship with these companies.

6. If it’s free, how does Google make money off Google Health?

Much like other Google products we offer, Google Health is free to anyone who uses it. There are no ads in Google Health. Our primary focus is providing a good user experience and meeting our users' needs.

7. How does Google Health protect the privacy of my health information?

You should know two main things up front:

  1. We will never sell your personal health information or data
  2. 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.

We make it a point to let you know what information we collect when you use Google Health, how we use it, and how we keep it safe.

8. Will my employer or health insurance provider be able to see my Google Health profile?

You are in control of who views your Google Health profile. Remember, Google will never sell your health information, and we will not share it with others unless you explicitly authorize us to do so, or in the limited circumstances described in the Google privacy policy, such as when we are required to do so by law.

9. Does the data I store in Google Health get used for other Google products, like Search?

Yes, we share information between Google products to enable cross-product functionality. For example, Google Health can help you save your doctors' contact information in your Google Contact List. But no personal or medical information in your Google Health profile is used to customize your Google.com search results or for advertising. Also, other users cannot access your personal medical records through a search on Google.com.

10. Is Google Health a PHR (personal health record)?

A personal health record (PHR) is a patient-directed information tool that allows the patient to enter and gather information from a variety of healthcare information systems such as hospitals, physicians, health insurance plans, and retail pharmacies. PHRs allow people to access and coordinate their health information and share it with those who need it.

So, yes: Google Health is a PHR, but it is also a bit of a different model. We believe it's not enough to offer a place where you can store, manage, and share your health information. You need to act on your health information to better manage your health needs on a daily basis. This is why we provide a directory of online health services to you. You must elect to sign up with a service and decide what level of personal data you want to share in exchange for the customized services those companies offer.