When the TSA announced its new enhanced screenings, a lot of travelers were upset–not just about their privacy being invaded, but their dignity.

And that was especially the case for travelers with medical conditions.

So what are your options?

The good news for the moment is that the TSA is at least trying to increase its awareness of travelers with medical conditions. It recently approved a standardized medical notification card that travelers can discreetly show to a screening agent.

That’s no guarantee that the agent will have been trained to deal with each and every medical condition, but it’s a step in the right direction.

This card can be useful even if your condition is temporary, like if you had recent surgery or are wearing bandages under your clothing.

Of course, if you have a serious condition, my advice is to travel with a letter from your physician, which explains the condition and what kind of treatment you may require.

And if you’re really concerned, there are other ways to quietly alert others of your situation as needed, like medical ID bracelets or a portable USB drive that contains your medical records. But that’s a conversation to have with your physician before you hit the road.

For even more specifics on the issue, check out Traveling With Medications And Medical Devices.

And check out the rest of our Daily Travel Tips here