Answers to common questions
If you do not find an answer below to your question, please go to Contact
Click on the pictures above to see how Medical Passports work:HARDWARE & SOFTWARE
What are the system requirements?
If the computer is running a Windows operating system then the Medical Passport will function properly. No other software or hardware is necessary except a USB port.
Is the Medical Passport like other USB flash drives?
Yes and No. It is like other USB flash drives in that it has storage capacity for files but with one huge difference – it has software. The software on the Medical Passport runs from the USB flash drive. The software is protected and cannot be copied to other computers.
Can I store other files on the Medical Passport?
The program only uses about 20 megabytes of the 128-megabyte flash drive. You can safely use the rest of the flash drive to store anything that you would typically store on a flash drive.
What language is the software written?
The language is a combination of html and php. This allows the “look” of the program to be familiar to most people because it appears like a webpage.
PLUGGING IN
Where is the USB port on a computer?
Most USB ports are located on the side or back of the computer. It’s a narrow, rectangle opening about 1/8 inch high by 1/2 inch wide.
Do I need an internet connection?
The first time you use your Medical Passport you will need an internet connection to activate your drive. From then on it will run directly from the software stored on your Medical Passport and will not require any internet connection.
Where can I use my Medical Passport?
Your Medical Passport contains its own software that begins when you plug it into any USB port on a computer that runs Windows.
What software do I need to run my Medical Passport?
You do NOT need any special software. Your Medical Passport contains its own software that runs when you plug it into any computer that runs Windows.
When I plug in my Medical Passport, a “window” pops up – what do I do?
The first time you plug in your Medical Passport in a computer it will identify it as new hardware with a “pop up window”. On some systems it will tell you when the “device is installed” and ask if you want to restart the computer. You do NOT need to restart the computer, just wait for the window below and click “ok”.
My firewall software asks if I should allow Medical Passport to access the internet.
Occasionally a firewall will detect the Medical Passport and not allow it to start. If your firewall software asks if you want to allow access to the internet by Medical Passport, press “allow”. Medical Passport does NOT access the internet, EXCEPT the very first time you use the Medical Passport and this is only to activate the program.
SIGNING IN
Can I change my password?
The password you enter is case sensitive and cannot be changed – it is permanent.
What do I do if I can’t remember my password?
Go to CONTACT and Email "technical support". We will email you your password.
Can I change my name on the Medical Passport?
The name you enter during your FIRST USE of the Medical Passport is the only name that can be entered on the device – it is permanent.
Do I have to load a picture of myself into the Medical Passport?
No, but it might help identify you in a medical or missing person emergency.
I complete the login but the program never opens. What is wrong?
Try withdrawing the Medical Passport from the USB port and then plugging it in the port again. Occasionally a firewall will detect the Medical Passport and not allow it to start. If your firewall software asks if you want to allow access to the internet by Medical Passport, press “allow”. Occasionally you might need to shut down your computer and then restart it. Then try plugging in the Medical Passport.
LEGAL QUESTIONS
Who is responsible for keeping my information up to date and correct?
You are solely responsible for the information entered into your medical passport. Health care workers will utilize the information to make decisions about your medical care. It is critical that it be accurate and up to date.
Will doctors honor my Advanced Directives if they only have the Medical Passport and not the paper copies?
Refer to the “State Regulations” for detailed information about each state. Obviously Essential Medical cannot guarantee what physicians will do in various medical situations. However, while politicians write the laws, physicians practice medicine. The reality, in health care, is that rarely do physicians have access to all the legal copies of advanced directives and living wills. Generally in critical situations, physicians utilize every resource available – usually family, friends and primary care physicians – to make what they believe to be the best decisions for you.
Putting your choices and medical information in the Medical Passport, and carrying it with you, gives physicians immediate access to your medical information and your choices about care. They can utilize this information first to care for you and if necessary to call your emergency contact person, Health Care Agent and if necessary verify your witnesses for the states legal purposes.
What if Essential Choices does not meet all the requirements of my state regulations for advanced directives?
Refer to the links below for detailed information about each state. Additionally we recommend you consult your physician and your attorney.
The following links are provided to help you with your state specific recommendations and to help you answer questions about Advanced Directive statutes in your state. However, the information is NOT meant to be definitive and should only be used in consultation with your attorney. Since Advance Directives generally encompass three items - Medical Durable Power of Attorney (Health Care Agent), Living Will and Do Not Resuscitate Orders – generally each state has multiple statutes addressing the issue.
Important Links:One of the guidelines in some states that can easily be addressed with Essential Choices is to have the documents notarized once you print them. Some state regulations are different than Essential Choices. However, the state regulations are written to comply with the federal Patient Self-Determination Act. Although states differ in their approach to advanced directives, the intent is similar: competent patients can determine for themselves what health care they want and do not want. Physicians recognize and understand this right of patients.
If I move or travel to another state will I still be able to use my Medical Passport?
Refer to the “State Regulations” for detailed information about each state. However, most states have laws that require physicians and facilities to recognize advanced directives completed in other states.
MEDICAL INFORMATION
Who is responsible for keeping my information up to date and correct?
You are solely responsible for the information entered into your medical passport. Health care workers will utilize the information to make decisions about your medical care. It is critical that it be accurate and up to date.
Do I have to answer every Medical Information question in my Medical Passport?
No, but keep in mind that health care workers can take the best care of you knowing all of your health history. Additionally, it is very helpful to have contact names and numbers so family/friends can be contacted in emergency situations.
I take herbal medications all the time, should I list them as medications?
Yes. In many situations herbal medications can interact with prescription medications. Information about all of the medications you take is important to getting the best and safest health care.
My doctor doesn’t give me my test results. Shouldn’t the doctor complete that part?
While the doctor or his office staff might help you, it is your responsibility to keep all the information accurate and up to date. The test results can be copied and pasted from a Word document, medical file, or you can type the results in yourself.
What if I forget to complete some of the questions in the Medical Information?
You should click on “Medical Information’ Summary” to see the same summary that healthcare workers will see without a password. This gives you a place to review your selections and make sure you have completed the questions correctly and accurately.
Is there anyone that can review the information in my Medical Passport to see if I did it right?
You should go over the information with your personal physician. Carry your Medical Passport with you at all times. Use the Medical Passport to convey your health information to any new health care facility or treating physician. Have them plug it into their computer USB port and then print the necessary information.
Additionally, the Essential Choices should be discussed with your attorney. Signed and witnessed paper copies of your Essential Choices – Advanced Directives should be given to your physician, attorney, and Health Care Agent.
ESSENTIAL CHOICES - ADVANCED DIRECTIVES
What are the blue words in the Essential Choices of my Medical Passport?
These are words that are “linked” to further explanation and sometimes photos to help you better understand the terminology in Essential Choices. You can point at any of the blue words and click your left mouse button to “go” to the photos and explanation. A window will pop open. You can use the scroll bar to go up and down in the terminology section.
What if I forget to complete some of the steps in Essential Choices?
You should click on “Summary” to see the same summary that the healthcare workers will see. Additionally you can click on “print” and view “Essential Choices/Advance Directives Summary”. This gives you a place to review your choices and make sure you have completed them according to your desires.
What if I only have one person for a Health Care Agent?
You only need to select one. The other spaces are for backups if your first choice is unavailable or does not want to act in that capacity. Make sure all of your choices know that you have chosen them as Health Care Agents and that they know what you would want in terms of health care.
Do I have to complete all the steps in the Essential Choices program?
You do NOT have to complete any of the steps if you do not want advanced directives. If you want to just identify someone that will take responsibility for your health care choices if you are incapacitated (A Health Care Agent) then you need only complete Step One (Choose a Health Care Agent) and Step Four (Choose Witnesses). The forms will then need to be printed and signed.
Will doctors honor my Advanced Directives if they only have the Medical Passport and not the paper copies?
Obviously Essential Medical cannot guarantee what physicians will do in various medical situations. However, while politicians write the laws, physicians practice medicine. The reality, in health care, is that rarely do physicians have access to all the legal copies of advanced directives and living wills. Generally in critical situations, physicians utilize every resource available – usually family, friends and primary care physicians – to make what they believe to be the best decisions for you.
Putting your choices and medical information in the Medical Passport, and carrying it with you, gives physicians immediate access to your medical information and your choices about care. They can utilize this information first to care for you and if necessary to call your emergency contact person, Health Care Agent and if necessary verify your witnesses for the states legal purposes.
Is there anyone that can review my Essential Choices to see if I did it right?
You should go over the information with your personal physician. Additionally, the Essential Choices should be discussed with your attorney. Signed and witnessed copies of your Essential Choices – Advanced Directives should be given to your physician, attorney, and Health Care Agent.
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Your emergency and medical information on a thumb-drive
