A system and method for graphically indicating patient information. The invention includes a representative image of the patient with icons to indicate or inform a health care worker of the condition of the patient. Each icon in a set of icons represents a condition available for use in describing the condition of a particular patient. Each icon is located at a predetermined position of the image in each implementation of the invention. After a user creates an image with icons selected for a particular patient, a fixed representation of the image is created. The fixed representation of the image (e.g., on a sheet of paper) is placed proximal to the patient (e.g., bedside) for visual conveyance of the patient's condition.