ALTOONA – UPMC Altoona is the first health care system in the area to use a biometric palm scanner to launch a new patient identification system.
The palm-based scanner uses infrared technology – the same kind as a television remote control – to map a patient’s network of veins. Vein-pattern identification is unique to each individual and does not change over one’s lifetime.
After a patient’s palm is scanned, the new PatientSecure system generates a unique number that corresponds to the patient’s electronic medical record. The number, only useful to UPMC Altoona, quickly and securely helps staff ensure that the right person will receive the right care and treatment.
“Vein patterns are 100 times more unique than fingerprints,” said Linnane Batzel, M.D., M.B.A., chief medical officer and senior vice president for quality. “As a result, the new technology provides a safe, secure, easy and fast way for our patients to register for care.”
PatientSecure is just one example of the ways UPMC Altoona is using cutting-edge technology to deliver improved service to its patients. It is the ultimate assurance of patient safety, and allows for accurate patient record retrieval, ensuring that patients receive the care that is best for their unique needs.
The new system also helps protect patient information and taxpayer dollars by reducing the possibility of medical identity theft.
Patient Access at Station Medical Center and the Outpatient Center, first floor, at UPMC Altoona, are using the palm scanners. Plans are to expand its use to the Emergency department.
“Patient safety is our top priority. Once enrolled in the PatientSecure(tm)System, your identity is instantly confirmed, ensuring that the registrar accesses your personal medical record,” said Michael Letcher, director of Patient Access, who has coordinated the effort. “It also prevents potential fraud, such as insurance card sharing.”
No other agency or entity, such as law enforcement or immigration, can use the biometric information gathered by UPMC Altoona.