Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts on Thursday announced that it will be the first insurer to participate in Google Health, an online personal health record service, the AP/Boston Herald reports. The insurer said it expects to begin offering the no-cost service to its three million members this fall.

Through Google Health, members will be able to open an account and authorize the sharing of their medical data (AP/Boston Herald, 6/12). Members also will be able to review their claims and some medical records, which the insurer says will help patients manage their care and have more productive discussions with physicians. While the insurer will provide some information, the total amount of information will be based upon individual physicians' use of electronic health records. According to BCBS, the service will be secure and information will not be sold or shared without consent. In addition, members will be able to delete their health profiles at any time.

Cleve Killingsworth, BCBS of Massachusetts chair and CEO, said, "We believe Google Health will be an important tool used by our members to improve the safety and effectiveness of their health care." Steven Fox, a BCBS vice president heading the online project, said Google Health "will be portable," adding, "It could improve compliance with treatment protocols. Now, when you get blood work, you'll have the ability to see the actual report." According to Fox, there is no financial agreement between the insurer and Google Health (Krasner, Boston Globe, 6/13).

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