Medical ID Tags

[BleepingBeauty]

Just an FYI, for anyone who's interested.

I was at the pharmacy recently, and I picked up an order form for a Medical ID tag/bracelet, thinking it might be a good idea to have one in case of a medical emergency resulting in me being unable to communicate my need for CPAP.

The order form allows you to check off any of the common ailments you'd expect to find engraved on these tags (diabetes, angina, heart patient, epilepsy, seizure disorder, etc.), along with Allergies and Medications, but there's also an option for "Other" which allows you to fill in the blank with the info you want displayed.

I'm sure there are several options for purchasing Medical ID tags, but for more info on this one:
American Medical ID
800-363-5985
http://www.IdentifyYourself.com

Interesting insurance info from that site, found here:

"Health insurance plans may reimburse you for the purchase of your medical ID. When visiting with your doctor ask for a prescription for your Medical ID jewelry based on your medical condition. This prescription along with your insurance filing form when submitted to your health care plan will act as proof of the medical necessity.

American Medical ID products are registered with all the national data banks for third party reimbursement. Click here (link to a .pdf file) to view a list of the registration codes for each of our products. If you wish to file for reimbursement, use these codes on the forms provided by your healthcare provider.

In addition, medical IDs are a qualified reimbursement expense for many Flexible Spending Accounts. To find out about coverage in your plan, check with your company benefits department and find out if they are eligible.

Finally, if you find out that your medical ID is not covered by your insurance program or as a benefit, add your voice by writing a letter suggesting that they should be. A medical ID is an important and underused tool which aids in improving the speed and quality of medical care, especially in emergency situations."

[harry33]

I think a universally adopted system of tatoos would be more helpful tatoos cant be left at home.

[buzzkill58]

I have a Medical ID tag for my Type 2 diabetes. It took a couple of weeks, but I was able to get into the habit of putting on my tags every morning. I also have an ID card I carry in my wallet. I am planing on updating my tags for my OSA.

[BleepingBeauty]

I think a universally adopted system of tatoos would be more helpful tatoos cant be left at home.

I have no desire to alter my skin with a tattoo (which would have to be large enough to be easily read and would also be subjected to distortion as a result of weight loss or gain, injury to the area, etc.). I know they're all the rage these days, but they're permanent (unless and until you want to go through the pain and expense of having them removed). What if your xPAP needs change later on?

You can engrave a lot of easy-to-read, detailed info on a typical Medical ID tag, and it'd be a whole lot easier to have a new tag made up than to have your tattoo "fixed" to reflect new circumstances.

[gingerdos]

I use medic alert necklace, I wear it all the time. It has an ID number that the hospital/doctor can used to get additional information that I update as needed. I list all my medications, health record, allergies. I can update the info on their website. If there is an emergency medic alert will contact my family.

In 2007 I was hospitalized, they were very serious about my medic alert. They insisted I wear it at all times, even when I had chest xrays. The tech would just hook it over my ear.

http://www.medicalert.org/home/Homegradient.aspx

Ginger

[Kiralynx]

I have a Medic Alert wrist bracelet which stays on me even in the shower or the swimming pool. I was able to upload the type of machine I use (Bipap Auto SV) and my EPAP, MinIpap and Max Ipap; lists of the vitamins I take (always an important consideration because of the possibility of them interacting with any medications they may wish to give in an emergency), and lists of foods which are safe for me to eat.

All those items, to me, are very important in an emergency.

[AuntieNae]

I too wear a Medical Alert tag .. and have considered having the engraving redone now to include the CPAP right on it. I have had the bracelet longer so it was not on the tag.

[dllfo]

Do EMT carry a card reader of any kind? Like for Bar Codes?

I cannot get all of my medical problems on the normal bracelet, etc. Abbreviations cause confusion (per the lady at Walgreens). I have 13 conditions I would need to list, and a list of my current medications, allergies, antibiotics I have taken in the last 2 years...fills an 8x11 sheet of paper with a size 12 font.

One of my buddies suggested a simpler way to go. get a medical bracelet with DNR on it. Some days I agree with him.

Seriously, does anyone know if they have the capability to read bar codes? I have a Vial of Life at home and one in my car, but who knows if they will read it.

[5aces]

viewtopic/t42446/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=37 ... rd#p332080

A previously helpful thread on this topic.Free printable Med Card.

[LinkC]

I have no desire to alter my skin with a tattoo

How about a large scarlet "C" sewn onto your bodice?

[deerslayer]

I think a universally adopted system of tatoos would be more helpful tatoos cant be left at home.

I have no desire to alter my skin with a tattoo (which would have to be large enough to be easily read and would also be subjected to distortion as a result of weight loss or gain, injury to the area, etc.). I know they're all the rage these days, but they're permanent (unless and until you want to go through the pain and expense of having them removed). What if your xPAP needs change later on?

You can engrave a lot of easy-to-read, detailed info on a typical Medical ID tag, and it'd be a whole lot easier to have a new tag made up than to have your tattoo "fixed" to reflect new circumstances.

...i think i'll just have a chip embedded in the eye of my Harley Screamin Eagle fore arm tattoo

[Paul56]

I think a universally adopted system of tatoos would be more helpful tatoos cant be left at home.

I have no desire to alter my skin with a tattoo (which would have to be large enough to be easily read and would also be subjected to distortion as a result of weight loss or gain, injury to the area, etc.). I know they're all the rage these days, but they're permanent (unless and until you want to go through the pain and expense of having them removed). What if your xPAP needs change later on?

You can engrave a lot of easy-to-read, detailed info on a typical Medical ID tag, and it'd be a whole lot easier to have a new tag made up than to have your tattoo "fixed" to reflect new circumstances.

...i think i'll just have a chip embedded in the eye of my Harley Screamin Eagle fore arm tattoo

Just add another patch to your Hell's Angels bikin' jacket that says "CPAP User... you better ensure I get my nightly fix!!!"

[deerslayer]

I think a universally adopted system of tatoos would be more helpful tatoos cant be left at home.

I have no desire to alter my skin with a tattoo (which would have to be large enough to be easily read and would also be subjected to distortion as a result of weight loss or gain, injury to the area, etc.). I know they're all the rage these days, but they're permanent (unless and until you want to go through the pain and expense of having them removed). What if your xPAP needs change later on?

You can engrave a lot of easy-to-read, detailed info on a typical Medical ID tag, and it'd be a whole lot easier to have a new tag made up than to have your tattoo "fixed" to reflect new circumstances.

...i think i'll just have a chip embedded in the eye of my Harley Screamin Eagle fore arm tattoo

Just add another patch to your Hell's Angels bikin' jacket that says "CPAP User... you better ensure I get my nightly fix!!!"

sorry to disappoint Paul, i don't fly colors

[howkim]

Do EMT carry a card reader of any kind? Like for Bar Codes?

I cannot get all of my medical problems on the normal bracelet, etc. Abbreviations cause confusion (per the lady at Walgreens). I have 13 conditions I would need to list, and a list of my current medications, allergies, antibiotics I have taken in the last 2 years...fills an 8x11 sheet of paper with a size 12 font.

One of my buddies suggested a simpler way to go. get a medical bracelet with DNR on it. Some days I agree with him.

Seriously, does anyone know if they have the capability to read bar codes? I have a Vial of Life at home and one in my car, but who knows if they will read it.

My doc gave me (OK, I bought from him) a mini-CD for my wallet with my medical history, latest labs, EKG, report of physical, etc. They're all in .pdf format, using an EARLY version of Acrobat (that should be readable in even the most cash-strapped ERs). I also have a hard copy of my history, meds and supplements in my purse for EMT/ambulance use.

[dllfo]

HowKim,
THAT is a good idea. Unfortunately my medical people can't provide the CD or DVD for me. I will keep asking for it.

Smart idea not to use the newest Adobe or other PDF format. The EMT's probably don't have it in their ambulances.

Our medical people have just started scanning things in the last couple of years. They can print out my medical records (over 3" thick now) but the EMT would not have time to figure it all out. So I summarize it and put the "Vial of Life" sticker on my front door and the freezer door inside the house. They are supposed to know where to go to get my info (and they have done that the last few ambulance rides I took).

Thanks again for the idea...Dave