The AMA Verdict on VeriChip
What does the American Medical Association think about RFID implants?
If you ask the folks at VeriChip, the Florida company that makes FDA-approved implantable microchips to help physicians identify patients during surgery, they’ll likely say ‘two thumbs up.’ The company’s press release (issued Wednesday) boasts in its headline that the AMA recommends implantable RFID devices.
But if you read the fine print or any of the news reports from pubs like Computer World, the verdict on VeriChip’s flagship product is so-so.
In other words, proceed with caution.
“These devices may present physical risks to the patient,” the report said. “Though they are removable, their small size allows them to migrate under the skin, making them potentially difficult to extract.” ![[end]](/resources/bullet/rfidnews-4.gif)
