MedicAlert® Members Can Now Download Records to PDAs
Vital Health Information Made Portable
Toronto, May 18, 2006 – The Canadian MedicAlert Foundation announced today the arrival of portable health records for all its members.
MedicAlert® members can now download their MedicAlert record to their Personal Digital Assistant, iPod or even their cell phone through My MedicAlert – a secure and confidential, password-protected Web portal that is free to all MedicAlert members at www.medicalert.ca/mymedicalert. Members’ health records are stored electronically in a secure database at MedicAlert and include their medical conditions, implanted devices, current medications, special needs or allergies as well as personal emergency and physician contacts.
“A portable health record allows members to save and carry vital information during visits to different doctors’ offices or while traveling,” said Stephen Reid, Director of Communications at MedicAlert. “We all know the importance of having accurate and up-to-date health information available in case of a medical emergency. This new feature gives our members the ability to easily share their health information to different care providers, in non-emergencies. This service will especially benefit members with complex medical conditions or those taking multiple medications because medical terminology is often difficult to pronounce or even spell correctly by alleviating the stress of recalling everything from memory.”
“As we celebrate our 45th anniversary this year, we remain committed to our mission of protecting Canadians and enhancing the lives of our members by meeting their health information needs,” added Reid. “This new initiative is one way we are fulfilling that mission.”
MedicAlert offers a comprehensive membership that includes a member record and a bracelet, necklace or watch engraved with personalized medical information, the MedicAlert 24-hour Emergency Hotline number and a member ID linked to an electronic health record.
In an emergency when seconds count, only MedicAlert can provide first responders with instant access to a member’s health information through the 24-hour Emergency Hotline. Along with this medical information, MedicAlert also provides the names and telephone numbers of the member’s doctor and family contacts.
This year marks 45 years of protecting the lives of MedicAlert members. There are currently more than one million Canadians who rely on MedicAlert every single day. MedicAlert services are also recognized by the Canadian healthcare community. The Canadian MedicAlert Foundation is endorsed by CAEP (Canadian Association of Emergency Physicians) and NENA (National Emergency Nurses’ Affiliation), and works in partnership with a Canadian-wide network of health organizations, hospitals, pharmacies, doctors’ offices, medical clinics, and public health centres.
For more information, please contact Robert Blair, Marketing Manager at (416) 696-0142 ext. 1251.
