Put health records in the Vault.

Microsoft has launched Health Vault, a Web site where consumers can post and maintain their personal health records. Individuals can input their health and medical data on the free site and give permission for their health care providers to access it. The site can accept scanned copies of faxed and paper records, as well as images such as x-rays and CT scans sent by health care providers. Health Vault also allows users to find health information on the Internet and keep it for future reference. Although use of the site is free for consumers, the company will sell sponsored links and advertisements. In response to privacy concerns, Dr. Deborah Peel of the Patient Privacy Rights Foundation, who advised Microsoft on privacy protections, said in a statement that individuals' "personal health information will not be data-mined, because they alone control it." Microsoft is also working with organizations including the American Heart Association, Johnson & Johnson, and the Mayo Clinic to build consumer-targeted Web services compatible with their Health Vault platform.