FAQ’s

Q: How long has ER Card been in business?

A: ER Card was established in 1999 and was a pioneer in field of Personal Health Records service and delivery. We are proud to service our customers, who have come to trust our expertise and quality care.

Q: What is the ER Card?

A:  ER Card is an electronic personal health record (ePHR) service which allows you or your family members the benefit of anytime, anywhere access to vital medical information.  A timesaver and potential lifesaver, we provide patients and caregivers with electronic, personal health information in both emergency and routine care situations.  With the introduction of the ER Card USB flash drive (optional), we have the only medical flash drive that syncs with your secure, on-line health records.  

Q: What type of medical information?

A: Since you coordinate, manage and control access to your health history, how much information you include, is up to you.  We recommend you document information that would be vital to your treatment in all situations such as Allergies, Medications (prescribed and over-the-counter), Blood Type, Implanted Devices, Physicians, Emergency Contacts, Chronic Conditions, Special Needs and Advance Directives including Organ Donor Status.

Q: Is the medical information stored on the ER Card itself?

A: No, your card simply identifies you as a member.  The information you provide to ER Card is stored in our secure, encrypted database and also on the ER Card USB flash drive (optional), a secure, portable device.  Your ER Card contains your ID and Password information that you or a healthcare provider can use to access the information.  Your medical information is available 24/7, 365 days-a-year by web, phone, fax or flash drive using any browser, no special software is required.

Q: Can my doctor access my information or is special software required?

A: No special software is required at your physician’s office, hospital or treatment center.  Information can be accessed in a number of ways: 

• By visiting our corporate website at www.ercardmember.com and clicking on the member login.  You would provide your user name and password. 
• If you have the USB flash drive option, your physician can plug into any USB computer port and access your information. 
• You can bring a hard copy with you.
• Your physician can call the ER Card “800” number and operators will fax or e-mail a copy of your electronic personal health record report.

Q: How does my medical information get updated?

A. With internet access and a user name and password, you can update your information online.  If you do not have internet access, members can enroll by phone or by completing an enrollment application to submit by mail or fax.  ER Card Care Managers will call you to complete further details in your record.  But ER Card does not stop there.  While most other commercially available ePHR’s require a do-it-yourself approach, the ER Card provides complimentary and regular member contacts we call “Touchpoints” during which our care managers will call you or family members and update all medical records.  All members receive a minimum of four “Touchpoints”.  However, members may call, fax, mail or e-mail updated information at any time, particularly following routine medical visits, change of medication or treatment.

Q: How safe is my medical information? Is it shared with any third parties?

A: Your medical data is stored on our secure database using encryption similar to your banking institution. Our servers have 24/7 default protection to assure continuous access and availability. ER Card is not affiliated with any insurance company, or employer or third-party credit agency. ER Card is a private entity and does not and will not ever share your records with any third party without your direct consent and approval. Many Personal Health Records (PHRs) that are sponsored by insurance companies or hospital agencies cannot make this promise.

Q: What if I lose my ER-Card and don’t have it in an emergency?

A: You can call us to replace your membership identification card.  ER Card also makes available to its members a secure, portable USB flash drive device that contains your medical information or “ICE” (In Case of Emergency) jewelry with your member ID# and our 800 number for easy access to your medical information.  In addition, window stickers, decals and refrigerator magnets help alert emergency personnel that may enter your home.  Lastly all healthcare emergency room staff can access your record indexed by your name, home address or telephone number.

Q: How much does the ER Card cost for me or my family?

A: The USB flash drive is $39.95 (plus tax) and the monthly monitoring fee is $8 per month for an individual and $6 per month, per member for families (2 or more members).  You are not required to purchase the USB flash drive to enroll in the ER Card program.  The monthly monitoring allows you to enroll in the ER Card program and enjoy all the benefits of membership.

Q: Will my insurance company or my employer have access to my personal health record?

A: Insurance companies and employers will only have access to your personal information if you provide it.  When you enroll in the ER Card program and accept our Terms of Use Agreement, you authorize ER Card to release your information to physicians, nurses or EMTs who need to treat you, and any other individual you identify to access or update your information, such as your primary care physician or family member. 

Q: Who needs the ER Card electronic personal health record?

A: The ER Card is ideal for children, students, travelers, seniors, prescription drug users, unmarried life partners, high risk professionals, snow birds and intellectually/physically compromised individuals.  ER Card empowers all patients with a connection to a secure, electronic health record benefiting individuals and families with peace of mind and improved access to vital health information.