U.S. Backs Microchip Access to Patient’s Data

A microchip that can be implanted under the skin to give doctors instant access to a patient’s records has won government approval, a step that could revolutionize medical care but is raising alarm among privacy advocates.

The chip transmits a unique code to a scanner that allows doctors to confirm a patient’s identity and obtain detailed medical information from an accompanying database.

Applied Digital Solutions Inc. of Delray Beach, Fla., plans to market the VeriChip systems -- the chips, scanners and the computerized database -- to hospitals, doctors and patients as a way to improve care and avoid medical errors. The chip implantation cost would be $150 to $200, said Angela Fulcher, an Applied Digital spokeswoman.