Medical Information Cards Are Helpful

It was a real emergency situation in the hospital. A man in somewhat advanced ages who fell down on the road was brought to the hospital by compassionate pedestrians. The doctor diagnosed a blood clot in the arteries that required an emergency operation. During the subsequent operation it was revealed that there was a medical condition that was present beforehand.

A thorough search of the person had neither produced any medical wallet card nor even an ordinary medical card. There were certain legal formalities required to be observed before the doctors could take up operating on the patient but the situation seemed to be a dead end in the absence of a medical wallet card.

Thousands of Americans face similar complex situations because they do not possess a medical wallet card or at times even a medical card.

It is very important to put on the medical information card for those that it applies:

"My disability, which is due to a head injury, sometimes make me appear drunk. I'm not!"

"I have a psychiatric disability, in an emergency I may become confused. Help me find a quiet corner and I should be fine in about 10 minutes; if not give me one green pill, (name of medication) located in my (purse, wallet, pocket, etc.)"

"I take Lithium and my blood level needs to be checked every ______ ."

Multiple chemical sensitivities - these conditions may not be commonly understood therefore explanations may need to be detailed. "I react to..., my reaction is...... do this...."

Medications on the card
If you take medication that cannot be interrupted without serious consequences, make sure this is stated clearly and include:

prescriptions
dosage
times taken
other details regarding specifications of administration/regime; i.e., insulin, etc.
Instructions: i.e.: take my gamma globulin from the freezer, take my insulin from the refrigerator.
Name, address, phone and fax numbers of pharmacy where you get your prescriptions filled.

Anticipated assistance needed. (write this on the medical information card)

"I need specific help with: walking, eating, standing, dressing, transferring."
Walking - "best way to assist is to allow me to hang on your arm for balance."

Allergies and sensitivities (important to write on the medical information card):
History of skin or other reaction of sickness following injection or oral administration of:

Penicillin or other antibiotics
Tetanus, antitoxin or other serums
Morphine, Codeine, Demerol or other narcotics
Adhesive tape
Novocain or other anesthetics
Iodine
Aspirin, emperin or other pain remedies
Foods such as eggs, milk chocolate, or others
Sulfa drugs
Sun exposure
Insect bites, bee stings

Immunization Dates (self explanatory)

Communication or a speech-related disability:
Specific communication needs (examples):

"I speak using an artificial larynx, if it is not available I can write notes to communicate."

"I may not make sense for a while if under stress, let me alone for 10 - 15 minutes and my mind should clear."

'I speak slowly, softly and my speech is not clear. Find a quiet place for us to communicate. Be patient! Ask me to repeat or spell out what I am saying, if you cannot understand me!"

"I use a word board, augmentative communication device, artificial larynx, etc., to communicate. In an emergency I can point to words and letters."

"I cannot read. I communicate using an augmentative communication device. I can point to simple pictures or key words which you will find in my wallet or emergency supply kit"

"I may have some difficulty understanding what you are telling me, please speak slowly and use simple language."

"My primary language is ASL (American Sign Language). I am deaf and not fluent in English, I will need an ASL interpreter. I read only very simple English."

Equipment used:

motorized wheelchair
suction machine
home dialysis
respirator
Instructions: take my oxygen tank, take my wheelchair.

Many people have had disastrous experiences in the past with bad medical discount cards. Visit medical card applications for solutions to the applications.

We welcome you with open arms to real health insurance that will accept you for who you are.