Launch of new MEDeCARD service enables the public to take control of their medical records
New online subscription-based service, first of its kind in the UK, allows people of all ages to create and manage their own medical history and record of past and present medical treatment.
(PRWEB) July 5, 2003 -- A new online service, the first of its kind in the UK, launches today to enable people to take control of their medical records, and provide any healthcare professional with an accurate account of their medical history any time its needed.
The MEDeCARD service is accessible by everyone, but is expected to be particularly welcomed by mothers and parents wishing to keep track of their own medical history and that of their dependents; frequent movers and travellers who often find it difficult to transfer their records between healthcare providers, and those with a complicated medical history that need to repeat details of their condition to numerous health providers.
Although access to up-to-date medical information is crucial to receiving the right medical advice and treatment, in the UK its reported that 50% of individuals have to repeat their health history to multiple professionals, and a quarter of medical records do not reach a doctors office in time for an appointment.* Even when GPs and consultants have up-to-date information readily available, they still invariably rely upon the patient to provide a summary of the salient points in their medical history. A survey, commissioned by Norwich Union Healthcare, found that more than half of General Practitioners (GPs) surveyed think patients should know more about their own medical histories, and three out of five GPs said they could deal with a patient's immediate problem better if the patient was more informed.
The MEDeCARD service, which has been endorsed by the Patients Association, enables subscribers to log their medical information online into a secure, encrypted database, print the record from their own PC, and have it converted into a credit card-sized membership CD they carry in their wallet or handbag. The information on the CD can be instantly downloaded onto any personal computer, including during an appointment with a GP or National Health Service (NHS) or private consultant. Members can update their information online at any time, and as part of their 30-a-year membership receive four updated CDs a year.
The information included in an individuals MEDeCARD record includes their personal contact details and those of their registered GP, specialist consultants and medical insurers. It also covers previous and current medical conditions and medications; allergies; inoculations; results both for general health and eye tests; investigations, procedures and operations. Electronic or scanned documents, such as consultants reports, can also be attached to the MEDeCARD records.
The individual can select from three tiers of security for the CD, blocking access by anyone other than themselves, widening access to nominated password holders such as parents and spouses, and permitting open access. This latter option enables users to allow health professionals to access their records should they collapse or be taken ill when abroad.
Subscription to MEDeCARD is 30 a year for individuals. Members receive up to four updated CDs a year and unlimited, anytime access to their records online. For more information, and to apply, visit www.medecard.com.
- end release
NOTES TO THE EDITOR:
IMAGES
A high resolution image (JPG.) of the MEDeCARD card as seen on page one of this release, as well as a high quality image of the home page of the MEDeCARD Web site, is available by emailing liz.smith@texbridge.co.uk
SURVEYS
| | - Survey by The Commonwealth Fund / Harvard / Harris Interactive: 'Common Concerns amid Diverse Systems: Health Care Experiences in Five Countries.
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** NOP Research Group, on behalf of the Doctor Patient Partnership and the Consumer Health Information Centre: 'Patients keen to take responsibility for their medical records.
*** Norwich Union Healthcare survey for a healthcare passport service.
MEDeCARD
Developed by a team of medical and technology experts, and endorsed by the Patients Association, MEDeCARD is a subscription-based online service that enables individuals to log their medical information online into a fully secure, encrypted database, print the record from their own PC, and have it converted into a credit card-sized membership CD. The information on the CD can be instantly downloaded onto any personal computer, including during an appointment with a GP or NHS/private consultant. As part of their 30 annual membership subscribers can update their information online at any time, and receive four updated CDs a year.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION
Joanne Dennis at TexBridge Communications on 01634 666693, or email jo.dennis@texbridge.co.uk
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