Methods for communicating medical information using a wearable item, such as a bracelet, comprising a QR code. In some implementations, the wearable medical item comprises a backup telephone number for obtaining medical information related to a wearer of the medical item and a security code and/or patient ID. Upon receiving a telephone call at the backup telephone number and receiving the security code and/or the patient ID and validation of the security code and/or the patient ID, medical information related to the wearer of the wearable medical item may be received, which may provide for a backup way of obtaining the medical information in the event that a first responder or other person accessing the wearable item cannot scan the QR code.