Abstract: A distributed database architecture stores medical information in a self-updating system that employs point-of-service stations disposed at convenient medical service locations. Each patient carries a portable data carrier such as a smart card that contains the patient's complete medical history. Interaction between the portable data carriers and the point-of-service stations effects a virtual communication link that ties the distributed databases together without the need for online or live data connections. The point-of-service stations are also interconnected over a communications network through a switching station that likewise does not rely on online, live communication. The database system uses an object-oriented update object to distribute data that has been generated when a portable data carrier is not physically present and to automatically distribute data without the necessity of accessing a masterfile.