Medic Alert ID

Patrick A · Post by **Patrick A** » Tue Jan 09, 2007 12:11 am

I wear a Medic Alert Id, I was talking to them today about changing some info in their files. One of the questions the lady on the other end of the telephone was Do you have any new conditions?
I said that ihad been diagnosed with sleep apnea. It is now list along with my other medical problems, as everyone here in this forum knows OSA is considered a disability and a life threatening condition.

I would say that even if you do not wear a Medic Alert braclet
Get one and wear it!!!

sleepergal · Post by **sleepergal** » Tue Jan 09, 2007 10:10 am

Yes, I understand that it's very important for EMTs and doctors to know about sleep apnea in case of an accident.

I just ordered a medical alert bracelet from an internet site. I wanted something a little more fashionable than the traditional medical id bracelet (but not more expensive!). Fortunately, there's quite a few choices online and I was able to order a really lovely bracelet for a decent price.

birdshell · Post by **birdshell** » Tue Jan 09, 2007 1:43 pm

Patrick, you are so correct about this very important way to care for ourselves. If unable to speak for ourselves, it may be a lifesaver to get the medical information communicated to the medical care providers. Since I have some unusual conditions, this is an absolute MUST for me.

I already have a MedicAlert account, and a necklace and bracelet. Mine are sterling silver, which I purchased from the MedicAlert Foundation. They were a bit pricey, but have lasted for at least 10 years with no discernible wear, and the necklace chain has a lobster-claw clasp for easy removal. (Great for when hair is done for a performance and I've forgotten to remove the necklace beforehand.)

One thing that I really like about the MedicAlert system is that they allow one to update/change information online. (That is, one who pays the yearly fee; there is also a 3 year option--good for those of us finding time passes QUICKLY!)

Since doctors are known to change medications and dosages, it is handy to do this online. The MedicAlert Foundation also keeps much emergency information in their data base, and is well-known by the emergency medical care providers. These are my reasons for using the official MedicAlert Foundation services.

Kay (krousseau) was the one who had a source for a metal tube to keep in the car or elsewhere. It allowed a paper copy of information to be inserted and kept safe.

krousseau wrote:You DO need a Medi-alert or Rescue Blue anywhere you go. You don't know when or where you will need it. I have a Rescue Blue tubes in my vehicle with a window emblem to alert emergency personnel (there are tubes for each grandkid attached to their car seats too). I carry a tube in my shoulder bag with a keychain type emblem on the outside pocket zipper that contains the tube. The tube holds papers re medical history and meds I'm on. It is also large enough to hold a small ziplock bag with a day's worth of my meds.

DreamStalker · Post by **DreamStalker** » Tue Jan 09, 2007 1:46 pm

Hmmm ... my wife has been urging me to get fashionable with a tatoo

Goofproof · Post by **Goofproof** » Tue Jan 09, 2007 1:52 pm

I'm just afraid if I had all my medical problems listed on a bracelet, my arm would fall off from the weight. Jim

I've never been convicted as a stalker, but I've been warned not to go with-in 500 feet of a MRI.

Sleepless_in_LM · Post by **Sleepless_in_LM** » Tue Jan 09, 2007 2:14 pm

DreamStalker wrote:Hmmm ... my wife has been urging me to get fashionable with a tatoo

Yeah, but to make sure the emergency people ses it, you probably have to have it on your forehead. That might not qualify as fashionable

LoriD · Post by **LoriD** » Tue Jan 09, 2007 2:51 pm

I've been a Medic Alert member for about 10 years. It's always important to keep the info updated, especially to include the sleep apnea, as well as all current medications. If I had a dollar for each time I updated my record, i'd be rich by now.

wolftracker · Post by **wolftracker** » Tue Jan 09, 2007 3:40 pm

Rescue Blue appears to no longer be in business.

A while back we looked all over for them and all the
numbers and email addresses went unanswered.

Wolf

KimberlyinMN · Post by **KimberlyinMN** » Tue Jan 09, 2007 4:00 pm

Hmmm... that's a good idea. I took a peek at some of the bracelets and they don't look as bad as they used to. I called my FSA folks to see if this is something that I can be reimbursed for and they will if they have a letter from the doctor suggesting this. So then I called the doctor to get a letter. I suppose I should call my insurance to see if this is something they might cover. (Although since it's a new year, I would actually pay for it 100% but I'd like it to go towards my deductible.)

EDIT: Nope, I can't claim this for insurance.

Kimberly

Slinky · Post by **Slinky** » Tue Jan 09, 2007 4:09 pm

Speaking of deductibles ...... deductibles are TOTALLy new to me. I don't want to "steal" this thread so will start a new thread to ask for some advice about deductibles.

sleepergal · Post by **sleepergal** » Tue Jan 09, 2007 4:13 pm

The bracelet I ordered actually has a small titanium envelope on a black leather band in which you can place an engraved plate with medical info. The company engraves the medical symbol for free on the outside of the envelope. I figure when I need to update my medical info, I'll just type it up, print it on regular paper, laminate it, and put in my little envelope. How's that for nifty?

Hurricane · Post by **Hurricane** » Tue Jan 09, 2007 9:23 pm

Might also have your insurance card on your neck chain, first thing they look for

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Wed Jan 10, 2007 7:02 am

Patrick A,

Intresting topic.

I never thought of someone needing a Medic Alert bracelet for sleep apnea.

birdshell · Post by **birdshell** » Wed Jan 10, 2007 10:35 am

Hurricane wrote:Might also have your insurance card on your neck chain, first thing they look for

That is so TRUE, Hurricane! Spot on, and so funny!

However, please note: my MedicAlert account has a record of my insurance information!!

Patrick A · Post by **Patrick A** » Sun Jan 14, 2007 8:28 pm

KimberlyinMN wrote:Hmmm... that's a good idea. I took a peek at some of the bracelets and they don't look as bad as they used to. I called my FSA folks to see if this is something that I can be reimbursed for and they will if they have a letter from the doctor suggesting this. So then I called the doctor to get a letter. I suppose I should call my insurance to see if this is something they might cover. (Although since it's a new year, I would actually pay for it 100% but I'd like it to go towards my deductible.)

EDIT: Nope, I can't claim this for insurance.

Kimberly

I guess your life & health is not worth that much to you

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