Abstract: A method for using a patient identification card to avoid prescription and health care treatment errors, the method including a system having a patient identification card for storing, adding, deleting and modifying patient medical information, the card being a smart card having a microprocessor thereon, and an electronic patient identification access device for accessing the patient medical information, wherein the patient identification card is compact, portable, and connectable to a patient so that it is accessed by the electronic patient identification access device in proximity to the patient, the system providing an authorization for at least one user to access the information on the patient identification card, wherein the authorization is provided by patient and included on the card and confirmable by the electronic patient identification access device.