What technology is available that may save your life and speed the transmission of your medical history to a treating physician in a hospital where you’ve never visited? Several are available.

Like most areas of our life there is growing interest in the medical records area from a technological standpoint. You would probably benefit from the implant that is available and holds a copy of your medical records and physician contact information. One alternative by the VeriChip Company offers an option where your records are kept on the Internet and the chip, embedded under your skin allows medical personnel access to a code and the website address to check what is stored. The chip is described as about the size of a grain of rice.

"A small but increasing number of people are getting a portable health record in an intimate way -- by having a computer chip implanted in their arms.

When read by a scanner, the chip, the size of a grain of rice, would give an identification number physicians and hospitals would use to log on to a secure Web site containing that patient's identification and medical information. The chip and technology is produced by VeriChip, whose corporate parent owns another company -- Digital Angel --that has sold 6 million similar chips implanted in dogs and cats since 1991. Former Health and Human Services Secretary Tommy Thompson is a VeriChip board member and has pledged to get himself "chipped."

As of April 22, 2008 the VeriChip Corporation is providing these radio frequency identification systems (RFID) directly to consumers. You can learn more by visiting their site, or calling 800-970-2447 or emailing info@verichipcorp.com. The online information includes a YouTube link.

People with serious medical conditions may find this solution a valuable solution.

<object width="425" height="355"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/L-PIyL3ke24&hl=en"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/L-PIyL3ke24&hl=en" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="355"></embed></object>

Be aware, know your rights, protect yourself from personal injury.