RFID Identification Is Only Skin Deep

Scott Silverman, Chairman and CEO, Applied Digital Solutions

It seems a week doesn't go by without a news story reporting on some aspect of RFID as if it was a newly-discovered technology—when in fact its origins date back to the 1940s. What is getting everyone's attention these days is how this well-engineered technology is being paired with modern computing and communication technologies to create applications for RFID that were—until just recently—unimagined. One such application is the use of an implantable RFID format for identification and medical information access in people.

VeriChip Corporation, a subsidiary of Applied Digital Solutions, provides wearable RFID solutions to prevent wandering patients, protect infants, identify patients, and track assets. VeriChip also offers the implantable subcutaneous microchip for medical applications, which is called VeriMed. This FDA-approved medical device contains a unique identification number that when read can be linked to a secure database, providing the person's identity and any other information such as medical history, allergies, emergency contacts, etc.

The VeriMed chip is usually inserted under the skin in the rear of the upper right arm, via a handheld, preloaded syringe-type introducer. The implant capsule is about the size of a piece of long grain rice and is partially covered by a friction fit polymer sheath that encourages bonding of soft tissue to the implant, which helps prevent the microchip from moving. The microchips have obvious benefits in the healthcare field, but could also possibly be used for access control to sensitive facilities and secure financial transactions.

Opponents of VeriChip are concerned about having a person's movements remotely tracked involuntarily by the government by concealing scanners in public places. Monitoring like this can be accomplished already with technologies like cell phones, public security cameras, and widely used RFID applications such as toll passes and access cards. What makes the VeriChip stand out is that it travels with the person everywhere, and is always there because it is implanted, not just carried.

The VeriChip's passive RFID format only has a read range of about six inches, which limits any potential for tracking individuals. Some Christians even consider VeriChip to be "the mark of the beast" as is described in the last book of the New Testament that predicts that the end of the world is near when all people must be marked with a number on their bodies in order to buy or sell.

Using the VeriMed microchip boils down to individual decision. Deciding to be "chipped" is not something that most people would take lightly, and a person considering it should weigh all the benefits and detriments as it relates to his or her personal circumstances to decide whether or not to voluntarily adopt this technology. So, who would be a better expert to ask about the VeriChip than someone who has actually gone through the procedure and carries one? Scott Silverman is the Chairman and CEO of Applied Digital Solutions and a carrier of a subdermal microchip. He answers our questions about VeriChip, his "chipped" life, and the issues surrounding VeriMed.

Q: What is involved with the procedure of getting implanted?

A: Since VeriMed is a medical device, the procedure is performed by physicians in their offices. We are developing a nationwide network of physicians that can offer the VeriChip to their patients as they would any other medical device or new medicine. In the past few months alone, 276 physicians have joined the network.

Getting a VeriChip implant takes a matter of seconds and is much like getting any other injection. A local anesthetic first numbs the area of the upper right arm, the VeriChip inserter needle is then introduced under the skin and the VeriChip microchip implanted in the fatty tissue just under the skin. The procedure is quick and painless. I resumed normal activities the next day. After the band aid is removed, there are no marks or bump.

VeriChip Corporation suggests a physician's fee of between $200 and $400 for the procedure. We would like to see VeriChip's medical application covered by insurance and are working toward that goal. Should a person request is removal the microchip can be removed by a simple out-patient procedure. It could be equated to removing a large splinter or a piece of glass.

Why did you choose to get the implant, and who would you recommend it to?

I decided to get a VeriChip implant for its ability to speak on my behalf in the event of a medical emergency. The VeriChip can link me to my secure, online medical details, giving emergency room staff access to the information they need to make more educated treatment decisions.

While anyone could benefit from VeriChip's capabilities, we're primarily focused on educating three specific patient populations: those with active chronic diseases such as diabetes, chronic heart conditions, and epilepsy; cognitive disorders such as Alzheimer's disease; and individuals with sophisticated implanted medical devices like pacemakers, cardiac stents, and orthopedic joint replacements. Each of these conditions increases the likelihood that the individual will be able to present important information about his or her medications, allergies, medical history, and emergency contact information in an ER situation.

We feel that VeriChip is superior to many existing forms of ID in that it is always there for you when you need it. The VeriChip is discreet and cannot be lost or left at home.

How many medical facilities are using this system, and how do they use it?

Ninety-seven medical facilities to date have committed to implementing the VeriMed patient identification system in their emergency departments in the U.S. VeriChip Corporation expects to have 200 facilities signed up by the end of 2006.

Emergency Department staff in VeriMed-enabled hospitals are trained to scan the upper right arm of unconscious, disoriented, or non-communicative patients with a handheld VeriChip reader while vital signs are being taken. If a VeriChip microchip is detected, the reader displays that patient's unique 16-digit identifier. The facility then logs onto the secure VeriMed Patient Registry with a facility registration number and unique password retrieving that patient's emergency contact information, allergies, medications, and other relevant information so that doctors can make educated treatment decisions.

Who has access to the "secure database" that stores the information associated with the number on the VeriChip, and how does one gain access? Can a tagged person access his or her own file to add, change, or delete information?

Authorized emergency room personnel at VeriMed-enabled hospitals are preregistered and require password access to VeriMed's secure, online patient information database. The patients themselves have access as well and are able to maintain and update their information based on their current conditions, medications, etc.

VeriMed customers are able to determine whether non-hospital entities such as local police can view all their information or just identification and contact data. The customer can change passwords and information at any time if there is concern about unauthorized attempts to access their information.

Tell us about the use of VeriChip in tagging human remains and corpses from natural disasters.

VeriChip Corporation donated several hundred VeriChip microchips, readers, and technical assistance to Mississippi disaster recovery officials in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. This was the first time that implantable RFID chips had been used in a disaster recovery scenario and aided mortuary teams in more quickly identifying victims and reuniting the lost with their families.

VeriChip Corporation has had numerous requests for similar identification and recovery capabilities from municipalities across the United States based on the utility of VeriChip along the Gulf Coast after Katrina.

Does VeriChip pose health risks?

The VeriChip microchip has a nearly 20-year record of use in living animals. It was first developed for companion animal identification, so there is extensive positive biocompatibility experience. The VeriChip microchip was cleared by the FDA in 2004 for human use as a Class II medical device. Full MRI compatibility was a condition of the VeriChip's FDA approval. The radio frequency used is licensed by the FCC for this application and is not affected by other common devices. Since the microtransponder does not contain an energy source, no electrical hazard exists.

Can VeriChip be hacked or cloned?

The VeriChip microchip operates on an International Standards Organization (ISO) standard unencrypted frequency. No personal, identifying information is stored on the chip itself. Therefore, if somehow the ID number was read no personal information would be obtained since it is maintained on VeriChip's secure, password-protected online database. As an added privacy protection feature, the customer receives an automatic e-mail notification any time changes are made to the information. This alerts the customer to possible unauthorized access and usage.

What obstacles does subcutaneous tagging of humans need to overcome to become more accepted in the mainstream?

There is a healthy debate underway about the growth of technologies like both VeriChip and RFID in general. Unfortunately, there is a great deal of inaccurate information circulating as well. VeriChip Corporation is aggressively working to educate physicians, hospitals, and healthcare professionals about the real benefits that VeriChip can provide to those with complex medical conditions. Further progress towards replacing the current paper-based medical record with a portable digital one will underscore the value of a patient auto-ID system to access the digital record. Finally, the rebuilding of the Gulf Coast after Hurricanes Katrina and Rita will include advanced electronic medical systems to prevent the many disruptions and delays caused by delayed or lost medical information.

Scott R. Silverman is Chairman and CEO of Applied Digital Solutions. From September 1999 to March 2002, Mr. Silverman operated his own private investment-banking firm in addition to serving Applied Digital in various capacities. From July 1995 to September 1996, he served as President of ATI Communications, Inc., an Applied Digital subsidiary. Mr. Silverman is a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania and Villanova University School of Law.