Abstract

Method and apparatus for providing authorized access to medical information concerning an individual while preserving the confidentiality of, and preventing unauthorized access to, such information. A computer database receives and stores the individual's medical information, after the individual is tested to establish this information and the date on which such information was most recently obtained. The computer database does not contain the individual's name, address or any other similar information by which the individual can be identified. The individual is given an identification card containing a photograph or holographic image of the individual and containing a confidential first identification number that is unique for the individual, where both the image and the first identification number are visually perceptible and cannot be altered on the card without detection of such alteration. The individual is also given a confidential second identification number that is not contained on the card and need not be unique for that individual. The computer database can be accessed telephonically, and the individual's medical information, or a portion thereof, can be read only by an inquiror, if the inquiror or the individual first provides the individual's first and second identification numbers. The inquiror can use the image and first identification number on the individual's card to confirm the identity of that individual but need not be told the individual's second identification number. After inquiror establishes the identity of the individual, the inquiror, with the assistance of the individual, can obtain a telephonic readout of the individual's medical information.