LEE COUNTY, Fla. - Wearing a medical bracelet is the standard for someone suffering with medical issues, but some people are opting to wear something a bit more permanent.

"You may have that you're a diabetic on one arm and world's greatest dad on the other, it doesn't necessarily mean that you are.  I'll take that into account, but I'm also going to do my own testing," said Dr. Timothy Dougherty.

According to recent medical journal, medical tattoos are becoming more common, with some people choosing to ink their body parts with warnings about health conditions instead of wearing standard bracelets.

"It seems like it has been growing in popularity, not necessarily a trend, but I think as tattooing becomes more acceptable people who normally don't get tattoos are getting them for medical purposes," said tattoo artist, Shane Williams.

Dr. Timothy Dougherty said the trend isn't surprising, but he doesn't think it will alter ER protocol.

"EMS has protocols, they look for bracelets, the look for necklaces with medical information, that being said, if you don't have a bracelet on and you're found unresponsive, they are going to be checking your sugar, to see if you are a diabetic," he said.

Tattooer, Shane Williams, says he recently inked a man who suffers from a condition called Spinal Spinosis.

"He has to put these electrodes in very specific spots so to have those markings there to help him, definitely is good for him," he stated.

Still, both professionals agree, ink hasn't made its mark quite yet.

"I don't think there's a standard protocol in place. So as of now, most of them are generally for a statement," said WIlliams.

"If I saw a bracelet, I certainly would have more concern over a bracelet than I would a tattoo," said Dr. Dougherty.

Dr. Dougherty said if you are going to replace your medical alert with ink, choose a place that doctors will notice like your wrist.