Abstract: The present invention relates to a device worn about the wrist that monitors the user's vital signs, such as pulse, heart rate, blood pressure, temperature, and other vital signs. The device provides for the real time transfer of data relating to a user's vital signs to an external monitoring system. The external monitoring system may be staffed by certified medical personnel.

Abstract: The present invention addresses many of the issues of the existing healthcare management system by providing each insured with an electronically readable identity card or smartcard 16, which includes a memory device that identifies the insured, the insured's insurance carrier and may include the insured's photograph. The card 16 provides access to a database 22 maintained by the card issuer which includes such records 23 as the insured's current medical history and insurance coverage. Each facility used by an insured will have access to the database 22 for that facility's special needs, i.e., an emergency room would have access to the insured's medical history and drug use but not to financial data. A card reader 13 at each such location has appropriate hardware and software to allow the card reader to access the database and return information to a viewer, such as a computer monitor, to allow the user to view information about the insured.