Who's Afraid of the MedXPress?

By Dr. Steve Wahls - MD, FAAFP

About three years ago, the FAA introduced MedXPress as a means of documenting the pilot’s part of the aviation medical exam. This was the second phase of digitalizing pilot medical certification. Within the last decade Aviation Medical Examiners were allowed, then required, to enter data digitally in to the Aerospace Medical Certification Subsystem (AMCS) through the internet.

The institution of the electronic method of completing the pilot’s portion of the 8500-8 form now allows pilots and student pilots- but not yet Air Traffic Controllers- to complete their portion at home, where they will have access to necessary medical and supporting information. Reasoning behind the program included improvement of security, decreasing errors of transcription from paper, real time validation of input to alert pilots of potential missing or inconsistent information, and improved security of data.

To use MedXPress, log in to the web site https://medxpress.faa.gov/. You must intitally request an account, and the system will ask you to enter your name, email address, and a series of security questions before verifying that you have read and accept the terms of the Service Agreement. A temporary password is emailed to you, after which you log in, change your password, and then click “Form 8500-8”. From this point on the form is much the same as that you are used to in paper format.

One benefit you will notice of the MedXPress is that there are question marks next to each question. These take you to the appropriate reference from the Guide for Aviation Medical Examiners. If you are uncertain as to the appropriate answer, do the best you can. Your AME can make amendments with your permission later. You may at any time save your application and come back to it. Remember, though, that you must complete and submit the initial form within 30 days, or your record will be deleted. Once you have validated and submitted your 8500-8, you have 60 days to complete your Medical; thereafter the record is deleted and will not be part of your permanent FAA file.

Upon submission of your MedXPress information, you will be issued a confirmation number. You may also print out your submission for your records. The confirmaton number is also emailed to you, and must be brought to your AME in order to process your informaton in the Aerospace Medical Certification Subsystem.

I have found that some pilots have an inherent distrust with completing the 8500-8 form on line. One individual was concerned that the data would be transferred to the FAA Medical Certification Division immediately once the process was begun, thereby jeopardizing the certification. This is not the case. On the other hand, any information entered in to the paper 8500-8 must be submitted to the FAA, whether complete or not.

MedXPress is quite intuitive, and less complex than most GPS units or DUATS. Steps taken to protect our privacy are similar to those used by many financial institutions, and seem more robust than those of many social networking sites. The rules governing medical exams and requirements for certification are identical whether the paper 8500-8 or the on line system is used.

I have had the opportunity to use MedXPress as a pilot as well as an AME, and have been pleased with the benefits it provides. If you have questions or concerns about your upcoming medical, please contact your AME for additional information.

Steve Wahls is a Senior Aviation Medical Examiner and Family Physician who practices at OHSU Family Medicine in Scappoose. He holds a private pilot certificate and is available for aviation medical consultation or pilot medical exams.