Pros: Use of VitalChart tools – PHR, community forum, health references and customer support – is free. Registration process is easy – users are only required to input their email address and password. A “Provider Messaging” feature connects you to your health provider without closing the VitalChart website. You can share your health records with your healthcare providers, insurance, and family members depending on the type of permission you grant them. Medical information stored in the Health Record folder can be downloaded to a USB (for a small fee) or printed out. Users who utilize featured VitalChart tools (e.g. health journal, forum) have the chance to earn health rewards. Community forums allow users to discuss health issues and share tips with other members. It is a web-based application, so there’s no software to download or install. Responsive customer service can be accessed by phone or email.

Cons: While VitalChart’s collection of health tools helps members get a well-rounded view of their wellness and health, some users may find the enormity of available information overwhelming.

The Bottomline: VitalChart is a PHR tool and online health reference site rolled into one. It is a well thought-out health solution that streamlines DIY health management processes and the sharing of health information to healthcare and insurance providers. There are plenty of health references and educational tools that some users will find helpful and some, overwhelming.

Editor’s Rating:

Reviewed on August 17, 2011

Summary:
Vitalchart is a for-profit organization based in Research Triangle, North Carolina that provides free PHR solutions and health reference tools to users. VitalChart’s free services help you maintain an online health record, communicate with healthcare providers and get support or learn from others. VitalChart is also planning to add more features in the future.



Features:
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My Health Record
The PHR dashboard divides your information into two categories: (1) Personal & Legal Information and (2) Medical History and Status. Under Personal & Legal, members can store their personal information, insurance information, emergency contacts and caregivers. Current medical conditions, allergies, surgeries, medications, personal lifestyle, and lab test results are stored in the Medical Status.

Provider Messaging
This built-in email application lets you send secure messages to your healthcare providers. You can also use this app to schedule check-ups or request your physician to update your medical record.

VitalChart Emergency Access
This is a fee-based optional feature that lets you access your family member’s health records during an emergency situation.



Health References
This section is a wealth of health and wellness information. It features links to health-related news and a dictionary of medical illnesses, symptoms, drugs, and surgeries. VitalChart is planning to add blogs and video tutorials in the future.

Health Community
Most PHR systems in the market do not let you share or learn health information from others, and this is where VitalChart stands out from the competition. VitalChart has a Community Forum section where you can discuss topics and ideas with other VitalChart members. There are several communities featured. Community categorization is topic-based and includes cancer, senior health, women’s health, men’s health, and mental health. The My Friends section, on the other hand, lets you share health journal entries, updates, and community activity with family members and friends.

VitalChart Rewards
Users have the chance to earn rewards by using VitalChart features – from updating their health records to joining health communities and writing health journal entries. Once they have accumulated enough reward points, they can select the item they want to receive as reward.