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The credit card size devices feature a microprocessor chip capable of encrypting and storing information. The report states that the cards can:

• support privacy and security requirements mandated by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act,
• provide a secure carrier for portable medical records,
• support processes that can reduce administrative costs,
• reduce health care fraud,
• provide secure access to emergency medical information, and
• provide support for patient loyalty programs.

  A primary obstacle to smart card adoption in health care is the size and cost of the projects, says Randy Vanderhoof, executive director at the Smart Card Alliance. "Health care systems are not small, confined projects but usually involve tens of thousand of people," he says.

  Vanderhoof also says that health technologies are not always integrated and typically move at a slower pace than others. "The I.T. industry in health care is not uniform so it's difficult to get systems to talk to one another."

  The report details seven different smart card health care programs that are either in the works or operational. For instance, the University of Pittsburg Medical Center has issued 2,000 of its "Healthcare Passports" to patients.

  Patients store some medical information on the cards and access the data through kiosks at the centers or by using smart card readers at home. To access the information on the card, patients or physicians must enter a personal identification number. The benefit for the patient includes speeding through the check in process during office visits.

  Houston-based St. Luke's Episcopal Health System uses smart cards for clinicians to access electronic medical records. The system was installed to resolve problems with physicians and nurses remembering numerous passwords. Now, staff members insert the card into a reader, type a four-digit PIN and are logged on.

  For more information, visit smartcardalliance.org.