Patients who now check in at Broadlawns Medical Center in Des Moines, Iowa, are having their palms scanned to match their identities with their electronic medical record, according to a Des Moines Register report.
The palm scanning system, which cost BMC $100,000, takes a digital image of a patient's unique vein patterns, the report said. It also noted that palm scanner system ensures patient security and may reduce translation errors.
Palm scanning technology has also appeared at other hospitals across the country, including Charlotte, N.C.-based Carolinas HealthCare System, San Diego-based Sharp HealthCare, Gaston Memorial Hospital in Gastonia, N.C., and New York-based NYU Langone Medical Center.
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The palm scanning system, which cost BMC $100,000, takes a digital image of a patient's unique vein patterns, the report said. It also noted that palm scanner system ensures patient security and may reduce translation errors.
Palm scanning technology has also appeared at other hospitals across the country, including Charlotte, N.C.-based Carolinas HealthCare System, San Diego-based Sharp HealthCare, Gaston Memorial Hospital in Gastonia, N.C., and New York-based NYU Langone Medical Center.
Related Articles on Patient Health IT:
UCSF Medical Center Goes Live With EHR, Patient Portal
Personal Health Card to Hold Patient Health Information
Study: Personal Health Record Portal Could Substantially Improve Chronic Disease Management