Secure PHR messaging refers to the capacity to:

Secure PHR messaging specifically pertains to the mechanism that allows patients to communicate directly with their healthcare providers through a tethered personal health record (PHR). In this context, a "tethered" PHR means that the patient’s health record is linked to a provider’s system, enabling secure messaging about health-related issues, questions, or updates. This secure communication is vital for maintaining patient confidentiality while allowing for effective and timely exchanges of information between patients and providers.

Using secure messaging through a tethered PHR introduces an added layer of security compared to standard email since it often includes encryption and is designed to comply with regulations like HIPAA. This ensures that sensitive health information remains protected while facilitating real-time communication.

Other options, like sending emails from doctors to patients, while potentially secure, do not reflect the designated structure of a tethered PHR. Similarly, uploading documents to a shared folder or connecting through a mobile app implies access to resources or tools, rather than the specific function of messaging within a secure framework that a tethered PHR provides.