Authorization to Locate Medical Information

[Starlette]

Hi everyone *waves*

Several years ago, we went over this topic that lasted for about a week+.

Because of my seizures, panic attacks, etc., I have all known medical information on a thumb drive. So, if anything happened to me, an EMT can grab that thumb drive, insert it into their computer to review my medical information.

So, this is what I'm asking. I have given my pastor and teacher verbal authorization to go to a certain area of my purse to pull it out. is there like a form or whatever stating that I authorize her/him to do so?

Starlette

[zoocrewphoto]

There is a paper form that I have gotten when I go to the ER or a new doctor that allows me to add people that they are allowed to discuss my medical issues with.

You would probably be best to include him on that paper and then give him his own copy of the info. There are also apps you can put on your phone so that an EMT can check your phone and find medical info.

[Julie]

I think seeing a lawyer one time to be sure everyone involved (including yourself) is covered, and/or what might not be, would be a good idea.

[Pap-Daddy]

I have given my pastor and teacher verbal authorization to go to a certain area of my purse to pull it out. is there like a form or whatever stating that I authorize her/him to do so?

I think what you are looking for is "health care representative". Google that term to see if your state has a form online you can then get it notarized by your attorney. Ask that they notarize it in a way that it can be sent via fax or email. I have done this. Some people don't know about it but Medicare accepted it via email which is a quick way to use these days.

I have all known medical information on a thumb drive. So, if anything happened to me, an EMT can grab that thumb drive, insert it into their computer to review my medical information.

Not sure an EMT will have a place to plug-in your thumb drive. I think you would be far better off having that info on a piece a paper you carry. I have also seen something called the "Book of Life" which is simply a form that you fill out that contains the medical info then you place that info inside the fridge in a conspicuous envelope or jar and secure a notice on the outside of the fridge (with a magnet) directing EMT to this info they would then bring to the ER with you.

The fridge is used because it can withstand several hours in a fire.
HTH

[Zeds]

I use a RoadID. It was originally designed for runners, etc. You could either engrave right on it who to call if you have a health emergency, or you can belong to the subscription service ($20 per year IIRC). It's genius.

If you have the service, the band has a site where Docs can log on, use a PIN which is on your band, and get access to whatever info you have under your name. I put stuff in there like where my medical records are located, the fact that I have an Advance Directive, etc.

I do not anticipate that the EMT's would access the stored info. But they can easily see what you have engraved on the band. You could put CPAP or OSA, epilepsy, diabetes, whatever, in ready view.

Link below.

The RoadID is very attractive. I just wore mine all the time. You could then, presumably, leave notarized letters with your emergency contact folks to release whatever medical info you want.

https://www.roadid.com

[palerider]

So, this is what I'm asking. I have given my pastor and teacher verbal authorization to go to a certain area of my purse to pull it out. is there like a form or whatever stating that I authorize her/him to do so?

No.

All the other stuff people are talking about is authorizing someone else to *speak for you and make decisions for you* in regards to medical issues.

Which doesn't sound like what you're asking.

[SewTired]

It's great that you have all that info on a thumb drive, but that is for your personal benefit. My brother wanted to do that and the ER doc says that they aren't going to plug someone's flash drive into their computer due to potential for malicious virus attacking their own systems. Most ERs don't have a standalone computer or an IT tech. They are part of a network and the IT Tech, well, just isn't handy.

The thumb drive info is valuable if you must see some primary doc outside of your usual area or moving to a new doctor OR having an extended stay in the ICU. It's also useful if it's in English and you barely speak English. For emergency care, not much use apparently, in my area anyway. So, instead, I just keep 4 sheets in my purse for bro that has his med list, list of diagnoses, list of doctors with phone numbers as well as pharmacy number. I applaud your attempts, we sure tried it, but unfortunately, there are some barriers to using technology in emergencies. A medical ID bracelet or necklace is your front line for info for emergencies.

Also, don't rely on your phone. Your phone can become missing in the event of a car crash. If you have a serious medical problem, make sure you have a bracelet or necklace that states it - EMTs are trained to look for that. The cops will look at the phone and look for a number marked ICE (as in In Case of Emergency). But your ER doc may not have access to that info right away.

[chunkyfrog]

QR codes might work, because EMT's or ER personnel could have a security app on their cellphones,
allowing a link to a safe online site for your medical records. The code could be on a bracelet or even a tattoo.
Better yet, we could have an implanted chip, like they put on pets and valuable animals.

[Pap-Daddy]

instead, I just keep 4 sheets in my purse for bro that has his med list, list of diagnoses, list of doctors with phone numbers as well as pharmacy number. I applaud your attempts, we sure tried it, but unfortunately, there are some barriers to using technology in emergencies. A medical ID bracelet or necklace is your front line for info for emergencies.

Yes, That is what this "Book of Life" concept is like. Certainly you should keep a copy with you as well as the fridge. Many EMTs and firemen are trained to look at the fridge to see if the notice is displayed as they are the bracelets and QR codes.

You can also post a notice on the front door if you feel the need. I know one lady who is a fall risk and the Fire Dept has had to gain entry on several occasions. They now have instructions on where to find a the garage door remote.

Also, don't rely on your phone. Your phone can become missing in the event of a car crash. If you have a serious medical problem, make sure you have a bracelet or necklace that states it - EMTs are trained to look for that. The cops will look at the phone and look for a number marked ICE (as in In Case of Emergency). But your ER doc may not have access to that info right away.

I do also have the ICE entries but I think that is more for after the fact.

I have also put together a list of my "approved" docs and their contact info which helps me when I need to find a new doc or use for referrals.

IF you don't have a notarized "health care representative" a list of your meds or diagnosis may all be for naught. Many of the docs I use won't even talk to the spouse about some things unless and until they have a signed agreement.

There is also a website called MedIDs com that may be just what you are looking for. There is a FREE template that may help.
Look for this

Generate Personalized Medical ID Wallet Card on Your Computer Keyboard - Up-date as needed, Free!

I copied and pasted it into a Word doc and update it right on my pc. Edit the doc to add other items of interest.