Today Google and CVS announced the addition of CVS's pharmacy to its growing health network. Google Health can now reach the pharmacy records of 100 million people.The electronic health record / electronic medical record (EHR/EMR) has long been touted as a way to empower individuals with respect to their health care. Giving individuals access to all their health information that is stored in a central place should permit them to keep tabs on their health as well as share that information with the appropriate parties, such as health care professionals.

To support the adoption of EHRs, Google launched Google Health in February 2008. While it has been around for a while, today saw a major upgrade in Google's new partnership with CVS. By partnering with CVS and other pharmacies, individuals can now access their prescription history online and import it into their secure Google Health accounts.

By doing this, Google believes it will "improve patient safety, reduce medical errors, and increase efficiencies in health care. Having a list of all your medications all in one place from the pharmacies you shop at helps your doctor, pharmacist and other care providers do a better job of taking care of you."

To get started, all you need do is activate an online account with your pharmacy. Then you can import the information to your Google Health Account (provided the pharmacy is supported). Other pharmacies on board include Walgreens, Drug Fair, Longs, RX America, Medco, and Meijer. Google Health lets you share your information if you so wish, such as your physician, family members or specialists.

As with other Google services, Google Health is free.