Flash and Medical Histories

Several years ago while on a trip out of state to my in-
laws, I suffered chest pains in the middle of the night.  I 
was taken to the emergency room where they did the 
typical cardiac workup, including an EKG.

The EKG indicated a blockage, but I knew from a 
battery of tests that I had previously taken that my EKG 
always gave this indication but that it was erroneous.  I 
convinced the physicians on duty to wait a few hours 
until my doctor in Baltimore came to his office and could 
then fax a copy of my "historic" EKG's to show that 
there was no problem.  Ultimately, that's what happened 
and all ended well.  The cardiologist in Florida 
suggested, however, that whenever I traveled I should 
take with me a copy of my EKG.

Recently, I had a regular physical, including an EKG 
(the good news--I am in good shape, the bad news--I 
will continue to post on this list for years to come).  I got 
a photocopy of the EKG, scanned it, and put it on my 
hard drive at the office.  I regularly burn copies of that 
directory onto a CD, so I will have a copy with me when 
I travel, since I typically take my laptop and these CD's 
with me.  

However, I began to think of the issue in broader terms.

First, why shouldn't I get a photocopy of all of my 
medical records, scan them, and take them with me 
whenever I travel?  In fact, why shouldn't I get a small 
flash device and keep a copy of the records in my car, 
at home, etc.  In this regard, I note that my secretary, 
who is in the Army Reserves, effectively does this now 
because her medical history is encoded on a chip on 
her dog tags.  (Probably an advance medical directive 
(i.e., living will) and a power of attorney effective upon 
disability should also be included.)

Second, should I use flash memory?  How long does 
the flash device hold information?  Is it subject to 
degradation due to heat, cold, airport inspection 
equipment, etc.?

Third, why isn't this practice more widespread? 

Comments please.
********************************************
Stuart Levine
Fisher & Winner, LLP
315 North Charles Street
Baltimore, Maryland 21201
Telephone:             410.385.2000
Telecopier:              443.927.7075
Cellphone:               410.802.5817
Weblog:  http://taxbiz.blogspot.com
http://www.taxation-business.com
[email protected]
*********************************************




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