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Use of implanted patient-data chips stirs debate

Executive Briefings Digest, April 25, 2006

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Despite objections from privacy groups, patients nationwide may soon have the option of having a microchip implanted under their skin to provide instant access to their personal medical records, reports The Washington Post. The patient would have the device-a microchip and copper antenna encased in a glass capsule about the size of grain of rice-inserted under the skin on the back of his or her arm during a quick procedure. Each unit transmits a 16-digit number to a handheld scanner which can then locate medical records on a Web site.

Using the system, emergency room doctors could scan unconscious or incoherent patients to check their blood type quickly and find out whether they take any medications or have any allergies. Nurses could identify family members and determine whether patients are organ donors.

Although some doctors say the technology will speed care and prevent errors, it alarms privacy advocates who worry that the devices could be used to invade private medical records or be mandated for surveillance purposes, according to the Post.

Source: Healthcare Leadership Review

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