The second type of card is often called a memory card. The intelligence of the integrated circuit chip in both types of cards allows them to protect the information being stored from damage or theft. For this reason, smart cards are much more secure than magnetic stripe cards, which carry information on the outside of the card and can be easily copied. Smart cards are an effective way of ensuring secure access to open interactive systems, such as encryption key mobility, secure single sign-ons and electronic digital signatures. Smart cards can provide basic medical information, such as lists of drug sensitivities, current conditions being treated, the name and phone number of a patient's doctor and other information vital in an emergency.
Smart cards can also carry vital medical history and details about insurance coverage.
An intelligent card that carries only the information most relevant to current treatment might streamline care significantly. The cards are plastic with embossing, magnetic stripe, bar code and black and white picture. The cards function as an identifier and as a data carrier for a small amount of information. The cards are personalized at each facility with name and other non changing information which is downloaded from the Hospital Information System to the card personalizing devices. The patient picture is taken and the card is produced in about one minute.