RFID: We Can But Should We?

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Recommended: Essays advantages and disadvantages of electronic health records

We Can But Should We?

How far is going too far? Imagine a world where an individual’s complete and accurate medical history can be accessed and updated by simply scanning a microchip or radio frequency identification device (RFID) that is implanted into the body. Envision a patient arriving at point-of-care; the chip that is embedding into the patient’s body would be scanned to upload the patients’ health information into the providers’ health information system (HIS). During this encounter, new information would be stored in the HIS. When the patient is discharged, the patient’s up-to-date health information would be uploaded from the HIS to the patients’ microchip. Implanting an electronic health record into every U.S. citizen has its pros and cons; the question contemplated is “We Can But Should We”?

Radio Frequency Identification Device Technology

The Association for Automatic Identification and Mobility (2012) defines RFID as a universal term that is used to describe a system that transmits the identity of an object or person wirelessly, using radio waves. The function of an RFID system is to enable data to be transmitted by a portable device, called a tag, which is read by an RFID reader and processed according to the needs of a particular application (Association for Automatic Identification and Mobility, 2012). RFID tags are a small object that can be implanted or attached into products (clothing, shoes ect.), humans, or animals that enable storing and retrieving data possible. With no physical contact required, this type of data can be collected and read through clothing, the human body, and non-metallic materials. In recent years, RFID tags have been used in identifying animals for health or nonhealth reason...

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...s of implantable radiofrequency Identification (RFID) tags in humans. American Journal Of Bioethics, 8(8), 44-48.

Health WorldNet, Inc. (2009, March 1). Electronic Medical Records: the pros and cons . Retrieved March 18, 2012, from Heads or Tails: http://healthworldnet.com/articles/heads-or-tails/electronic-medical-records:-the-pros-and-cons.html

Healthcare Information and Management Systems. (2012). Electronic Health Record . Retrieved March 19, 2012, from HIMSS : http://www.himss.org/ASP/topics_ehr.asp

Lewan, L. (2007, September 9). Chip Implants Linked to Animal Tumors. Retrieved March 20, 2012, from The Washington Post: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/09/08/AR2007090800997_pf.html

Sade, R. M. 2007. Radio frequency ID devices in humans. Report of the Council on Ethical and Judicial Affairs (CEJA) AMA. CEJA Report 5-A-07.

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