New device keeps patient medical information always close at hand

Patient information is now available in a flash at one California healthcare system, The Salinas Californian reported September 9.

 

Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare Systems is selling the new portable records tool—the MedFlash USB flash drive—in its gift shop for $34.95, according to the article. The one-gigabyte storage device is similar to others that plug into a computer’s USB port. However, this portable drive automatically converts medical information entered online to a text format accessible by medical personnel without loading any special programs.

 

When inserted into a computer, the device automatically connects to a Web site where purchasers can enter information, such as personal and insurance data, emergency contacts, and allergies, the newspaper reported. That password-protected information is then downloaded into the device, which can be carried in a purse or on a keychain. Users can decide which information is accessible by physicians and emergency personnel.

 

Click here to read The Salinas Californian article.