Medical ID bracelets have been around for decades, most commonly known as a bracelet worn around your wrist to alert those caring for you of a medical condition. This simple concept has saved countless lives and continues to have value today.
Over the last decade, advancements in mobile technology have enabled entrepreneurs to take the concept to a new level, providing it as an extension to your mobile device. Apple and Google now offer health apps and lock screen options to provide health information in an emergency. Companies like MY Medical, HealthVault and even Life Events offer apps that continue to expand on this concept.
Given the advancements in this technology, it was a good time to answer the frequently asked questions related to the technology. The following are some of the most common questions but feel free to contact us if we miss something important.
What is a medical ID?
A medical ID, also known as a medical alert ID or medical identification tag, is a piece of jewelry or wearable device that contains important medical information about the wearer. Medical IDs are typically worn by individuals with chronic medical conditions or those who may experience a medical emergency and cannot communicate important health information to first responders or medical professionals.
The medical information on a medical ID may include the wearer’s name, emergency contact information, and details about their medical condition(s), medications, allergies, and other important health information. This information can help medical professionals quickly and accurately provide appropriate care in an emergency. Medical IDs are worn in various forms, including bracelets, necklaces, pendants, and smartwatches.
Why do I need a medical ID?
There are several reasons why you might need a medical ID:
Chronic medical conditions: If you have a chronic medical condition such as diabetes, epilepsy, or heart disease, wearing a medical ID can help ensure that you receive prompt and appropriate medical attention in the event of an emergency.
Allergies: If you have allergies to medications, foods, or other substances, a medical ID can alert medical professionals to avoid administering or exposing you to these substances, which could cause a life-threatening reaction.
Medications: If you take medications regularly, a medical ID can alert medical professionals to the specific medications you are taking and any potential drug interactions or side effects.
Disabilities: If you have a disability affecting your ability to communicate effectively, wearing a medical ID can help medical professionals understand your condition and provide appropriate care.
Travel: If you are traveling alone or to a foreign country, wearing a medical ID can help bridge language barriers and ensure medical professionals understand your medical history and any pre-existing conditions.
A medical ID can provide peace of mind and potentially life-saving information in an emergency.
Is there a way to store my health information on my mobile device?
Several ways to store your health information on your mobile device exist. Here are some options:
Health apps: Many smartphones have built-in health apps that allow you to track and store your health information, such as heart rate, blood pressure, and medications. Some health apps also allow you to input emergency contact information and medical conditions.
Medical ID feature: Both iOS and Android operating systems have a Medical ID feature that allows you to input important health information accessible from your device’s lock screen. This feature can include emergency contacts, medical conditions, allergies, medications, and blood type.
Third-party apps: Several third-party apps allow you to store and manage your health information on your mobile device. Some popular options include My Medical, HealthVault, and CareZone.
It’s important to note that storing your health information on your mobile device can be convenient. A physical medical ID bracelet or tag is essential in case your phone is lost or damaged, or you cannot access it during an emergency.
How do I edit my health information on my iPhone?
You can edit your health information on your iPhone using the Health app. Here’s how:
- Open the Health app on your iPhone.
- Tap on your profile picture in the top right corner.
- Scroll down and select “Medical ID.”
- Tap “Edit” in the top right corner.
- You can then edit your personal information, including your name, date of birth, and emergency contacts.
- To edit your health information, tap on “Medical Conditions,” “Medical Notes,” “Allergies & Reactions,” “Medications,” or “Blood Type.”
- Make any necessary changes, and tap “Done” in the top right corner when finished.
Once you have edited your health information, save the changes by tapping “Done” in the top right corner of the screen. Your updated information will be accessible through the Medical ID feature on your iPhone’s lock screen.
How do I edit my health information on an Android phone?
Using the Google Fit app, you can edit your health information on an Android phone. Here’s how:
- Open the Google Fit app on your Android phone.
- Tap on your profile picture in the top right corner.
- Select “Medical profile.”
- Tap on “Edit” in the top right corner.
- You can then edit your personal information, including your name, date of birth, and emergency contacts.
- To edit your health information, tap on “Medical conditions,” “Allergies,” “Medications,” or “Blood type.”
- Make any necessary changes, and tap “Save” in the top right corner when finished.
Once you have edited your health information, save the changes by tapping “Save” in the top right corner of the screen. Your updated information will then be accessible through the Medical profile feature on your Android phone.
How do I add my health information to the lock screen of my iPhone?
You can add your health information to the lock screen of your iPhone by setting up your Medical ID. Here’s how:
- Open the Health app on your iPhone.
- Tap on your profile picture in the top right corner.
- Scroll down and select “Medical ID.”
- Tap “Edit” in the top right corner.
- Enable the “Show When Locked” option.
- Enter your medical information, including medical conditions, allergies, medications, and emergency contacts.
- Tap “Done” in the top right corner.
Once you have set up your Medical ID, your information will be accessible from the lock screen of your iPhone. To access the Medical ID, swipe right on the lock screen and tap “Emergency” in the bottom left corner. You can view your Medical ID information by tapping “Medical ID” in the bottom left corner.
How do I add my health information to the lock screen of my Android phone?
You can add your health information to the lock screen of your Android phone by setting up your Medical profile. Here’s how:
- Open the Google Fit app on your Android phone.
- Tap on your profile picture in the top right corner.
- Select “Medical profile.”
- Select ” Edit ” by tapping the three dots in the top right corner and select “Edit.”
- Enable the “Show medical info on lock screen” option.
- Enter your medical information, including medical conditions, allergies, medications, and emergency contacts.
- Tap “Save” in the top right corner to complete the process.
Once you have set up your Medical profile, your information will be accessible from the lock screen of your Android phone. To access the Medical profile, swipe up on the lock screen and tap “Emergency” or “Emergency call.” From there, you can view your Medical profile information by tapping “Medical information” or “View medical information.”
Will first responders and emergency medical personnel know to look for my medical information on my mobile phone?
There is no guarantee that first responders and emergency medical personnel will know to look for your medical information on your mobile phone. However, many emergency responders receive training to check for medical IDs or other indicators of medical information, so it’s a good idea to have your information easily accessible and visible.
On an iPhone, you can make your Medical ID information visible on the lock screen by enabling the “Show When Locked” option in the Health app. On an Android phone, you can make your Medical profile information visible on the lock screen by enabling the “Show medical info on lock screen” option in the Google Fit app.
In addition to having your medical information easily accessible on your mobile phone, it’s also a good idea to wear a physical medical ID bracelet or tag, especially if you have a severe medical condition or allergy. A medical ID can alert emergency responders to your medical needs even if your phone is lost or damaged.
What should be put on a medical ID bracelet?
A medical ID bracelet should include important information about your medical conditions, allergies, and medications that could be vital in an emergency. Here are some things to have on a medical ID bracelet:
Your name: This helps first responders identify you and ensures that the information on the bracelet is for you.
Medical conditions: Include any serious medical conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease, or epilepsy.
Allergies: List any allergies you have, especially to medications, foods, or other substances that could cause a severe reaction.
Medications: List any medications you are taking, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, and supplements.
Emergency contact: Include the name and phone number of a person to contact in case of an emergency.
Blood type: Include your blood type if you know it, as it can be important information in a medical emergency.
Other information: Depending on your specific medical needs, you may want to include additional information, such as whether you have an implanted medical device, such as a pacemaker, or if you have a DNR (Do Not Resuscitate) order.
Ensure that the information on your medical ID bracelet is up-to-date and accurate and wear it at all times to ensure emergency responders have access to your medical information when needed.
How do you get all that information on a medical ID bracelet?
There are a few ways to get all the necessary information on a medical ID bracelet:
Order a pre-made medical ID bracelet: Many companies specialize in creating medical ID bracelets that you can purchase with pre-engraved information. These bracelets may have the most common medical conditions and allergies pre-engraved, or you can customize them with your information.
Have a custom bracelet made: You can work with a jeweler or engraving company to create a custom medical ID bracelet that includes all your medical information. This option may be more expensive, but it lets you have all the necessary information in your preferred format and style.
Create a digital medical ID: Some medical ID companies offer digital versions of medical ID bracelets accessible via a smartphone app or website. These digital bracelets allow you to include more detailed medical information, emergency contacts, and other pertinent information. You can then wear a traditional bracelet with a unique identifier that emergency responders can use to access your digital medical ID.
Regardless of which option you choose, ensuring that your medical ID bracelet includes all of your necessary medical information and is up-to-date is essential. Please regularly review and update your medical information to remain accurate and relevant.
What’s Next for Medical IDs?
There are two apparent problems medical ID apps will solve in the future. First, there is an opportunity to eliminate the forms you fill out every time you visit the doctor’s office. Second, and much larger in scope, companies, including Apple, are looking into using your mobile device as a place where you can store and transport your entire medical record.
Eliminating forms for doctor visits is a natural extension of what’s being done today with mobile apps. Today, these apps are collecting and storing:
- Emergency Contacts
- Medications
- Allergies
- Medical History
- Family Medical History
- Health Insurance
- Advanced Directives
- Vaccinations
And this list continues to expand as these applications evolve. If you look at that list of information, it is the same information requested on the forms when you visit the doctor. The similarity between the apps and forms is not a coincidence. Doctors want this information to ensure informed treatment, which is the same reason emergency medical professionals and first responders need it.
The second and more significant challenge of moving your medical record from doctor to doctor is a need created out of the disparate technology used in the healthcare industry. It is also a result of privacy legislation.
There is no standard format for a medical record, and healthcare providers don’t all use the same platforms for storing the information. You must request the transfer to get your medical history from one doctor to another. When a transfer occurs, it is in documents and images with no standard indexing system.
The second issue with moving this information is that healthcare providers can’t simply transfer the information, and a transfer requires a formal request from the patient. You’ve probably heard of the Healthcare Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), which went into effect in 1996, or the Canadian version of PIPEDA, which followed. This legislation restricts the movement of your medical information to protect your privacy.
As an individual, you own your healthcare information and can share it with anyone. Healthcare providers can only share the information if you give them explicit instructions. This restriction is why moving your medical records is easier for you than for the healthcare provider. It is also why medical ID apps are developing in this direction.
Conclusion
Medical IDs have come a long way since simple dog tags and wristbands, as they offer a secure, fashionable way to store vital health-related information. Health-related mobile applications have positively impacted the medical ID industry, allowing users to edit their health information in seconds with just a few taps on their phones.
Users can add their health information directly to their device lock screens so that healthcare personnel can access it quickly in an emergency. However, one should still consider getting a medical ID bracelet or another form of physical medical identification to ensure all necessary info is always visible.
Whatever Medical ID option you choose, ensure it is updated regularly and contains up-to-date personal and medical data to assist first responders. Start capturing your medical information today, so you, your family members, and emergency personnel will be well prepared for unforeseen adverse circumstances.
