Pros: ExtendMD permits patients and doctors to share medical information in a secure web portal. Physicians with an account can communicate with their patients and exchange real-time reports and stats regarding the patient’s health. Along with a web account, a downloadable application is available for users.

Cons: If users want to access the application for ExtendMD, they must have an iTunes account and the iTunes store downloaded on the device. Patients must also have a doctor that participates with the ExtendMD program in order to access any of their personal information.

The Bottomline: ExtendMD is ideal for patients who have a chronic condition and need to regularly give health updates to their physicians. Instead of having to call in important statistics, such as blood pressure and blood sugar readings, the information can be electronically sent.

Editor’s Rating:

Reviewed on January 8, 2012

Summary:
ExtendMD has a limited number of features and should only be used for non-emergent communications between doctors and patients. Patients can save their medical statistics data in a secure location and communicate these stats to their doctors.



Features:
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Free Access
Users are not charged a fee when setting up a new ExtendMD account. Additionally, the application for the iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch is free for download through the Apple iTunes store.

Track Changes
Patients with chronic or serious medical conditions typically need to record any changes to their health. Through ExtendMD, users are able to record and save each blood pressure reading, weight and blood sugar amounts. Users set the date and time and then select the “Save” option to post the readings to their ExtendMD accounts.



Secure Log-In
No need to worry about unlawful access to account information. Encryption and standard security measures keep data safe and allow users to control access to personal medical information. Users must enter an identification name and password before logging on the site or application.

Messaging Capabilities
Patients and physicians can exchange secure messages through the ExtendMD portal. Non-emergent matters can be discussed and questions answered. This cuts down on the number of phone calls that need to be exchanged when managing a patient’s case.

Portable Access
Users have multiple options when they want to access their ExtendMD data. They can log-in through the website or open the downloaded application on their supported mobile device.

Health Record
Each patients sets up a health record upon registration of ExtendMD. The patient decides who to share this information with. Physicians can confirm the accuracy of the patient’s health record.

Notes Section
A notes section permits patients to jot down any changes to their symptoms and communicate this information to their doctors. This can be essential for patients who suffer from conditions such as depression, asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Referrals
Electronic referrals can be given to the patient through the ExtendMD portal. Physicians are also permitted to communicate with other doctors who use ExtendMD and can share information about a patient securely.