A technology company that makes and markets implantable chips that identify patients and provide immediate access to their medical histories says an independent study shows the chips can save hundreds of dollars per patient in the emergency room.

The use of VeriChip to access the medical records of critically ill patients in a mass casualty scenario decreased emergency care charges by an average of $685.67 per patient, according to the study commissioned by the VeriChip Corp.

Delray Beach, Fla.-based VeriChip, a provider of radio frequency identification (RFID) systems for healthcare and patient-related needs, presented the results of the study Tuesday at the Society of Academic Emergency Medicine's Annual Meeting.

The objective of the study, VeriChip executives said, was to evaluate the use of VeriChip for electronic medical record access and determine whether a patient implanted with the VeriChip would affect emergency charges in a prospective mass casualty exercise.

The study's conclusion that the chip could decrease ordered charges translates into a savings of $15 billion per year for the emergency room care of critically ill patients, according to VeriChip.

"This study adds to the body of evidence further validating that the VeriChip technology can lead to more efficient and effective patient care in a triage or emergency room setting," said VeriChip Chairman and CEO Scott R. Silverman.

Critics of the implantable chips have raised ethical, security and safety concerns.

A June 2007 American Medical Association report on RFID tracking listed several risks involved with microchip implantation, including migration of the chip under the skin, electromagnetic and electrosurgical interference with devices and defibrillators and the potential risks associated with certain pharmaceuticals.