Patients with Chronic Conditions Save by Wearing Medical ID

September 25, 2007 – Medical identification jewelry maker American Medical ID released the results of a customer survey regarding disease management in the workplace and cost implications of treatment in a medical emergency, which found people living with chronic medical conditions or allergies who did not wear a medical ID had an average hospital bill seven times higher than the average bill for those who were wearing medical identification.
People wearing a medical ID who experienced a medical incident at work and went to a hospital emergency room averaged $3,753 for their hospital bill, versus an average hospital bill of $26,395 for those not wearing a medical ID. The primary reasons for the discrepancy in the hospital costs include: a more rapid diagnosis and treatment if wearing a medical ID, thus reducing the chance of long term medical; a delay in treatment for a person living with diabetes experiencing hypoglycemia could lead to organ failure or amputation; there is a lower chance for medical professionals administering potentially harmful medications or treatments, such as drugs that a patient may be allergic to, if the patient is wearing a medical ID; and the most expensive place to treat an individual is the emergency room, so if admission to the hospital can be avoided, the patient can potentially save thousands of dollars.
More than 8,800 American Medical ID customers completed the 15-minute online survey in August. The results were announced at this week’s Health Management Congress event in Anaheim, Calif.
For more information: www.IdentifyYourself.com