Pros: The Lifespan Key is a USB-based personal health record tool that offers multiple plans with varying levels of service. Comprehensive services are offered for those who can afford them. USBs are password protected and HIPAA compliant. The USB device is said to be compatible with 99% of doctor’s offices.

Cons: Costs are very high for this plan. Software must be loaded onto healthcare providers’ computers in order to access information. It is unclear from the web site how much updates cost after the initial purchase period. Users cannot test the interface without purchase and screenshots are not provided on the web site.

The Bottomline: This is an expensive PHR option. Those looking at this PHR should investigate all alternatives thoroughly and consider the additional costs that may be incurred within each plan. This is a choice for those who feel they cannot maintain their medical records on their own.

Editor’s Rating:

Reviewed on July 29, 2011

Summary:
Lifespan Keys includes only one plan on a portable electronic medical record tool. It may be purchased in the form of a flash drive or bracelet. Information is secure and HIPAA compliant and is backed up at Lifespan.



Features:
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GuardianKey
The GuardianKey offers the basic PHR plus personal consultations with LifeKey staff, access to nursing advice, a year of flash drive updates and care plan construction. LifeKey will contact healthcare providers to facilitate acquisition of medical records and enter them into the user’s USB drive, organizing them with a Table of Contents. Records are stored on a secure server. This is offered at a cost of $1295 per person. Each duplicate GuardianKey is offered at $125.

The information stored on the Key includes: diseases, medications, immunizations, medical images, past medical procedures, emergency contacts, family medical history, insurance information, medical directives, and allergies.

The plan includes the users choice of USB keys, a laminated wallet card, 2 window stickers for home/car with LifeSpan alert for emergency responders, client update form for doctor to be used to update records.

Note: To update the information on the USB device is must be mailed to the company to be updated. A mailing label is included.




Other Services
While it appears on the home page that a Basic Key and Safety Key are offered, these are not detailed on the site and there is no information about them at all. The only other offering is an electronic pillbox.