Re: Flash and Medical Histories

A commonly-heard prediction for the near future, target date not too
far, perhaps 2-5 years, is for this kind of information to be stored
on smart cards.  But the idea of scanning key records and taking them
with you is an excellent one that can be done now.

====================================
M. Sean Fosmire        [email protected]

Garan Lucow Miller, P.C.

yclipse technologies
http://www.yclipse.com
Marquette, Michigan 
====================================

--Original message--

> 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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