Fingerprint Scan Technology for Patient Identification

Should you incorporate a fingerprint scanner into your practice for patient identification? Isn’t it just an additional step in the check-in process? The short answer: It can actually help streamline and upgrade that process, saving you time. There are other benefits as well, like improved data collection and documentation.

That’s why more and more private medical practices and even hospitals are moving to fingerprint recognition not only for patients but for staff, too.

Here are five reasons why you should consider using fingerprint recognition technology in your practice. It’s all about patient identification and patient data integrity.

1. Patient Identification Fraud Prevention

According to the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners, billing for services not rendered is the most common act of fraud perpetrated by healthcare providers. When a patient checks in and out of an appointment using fingerprint recognition technology, especially in a remote setting (like a home, jail or school), it ensures that the patient was actually seen by the clinician. All hint of fraud is removed because you have concrete documentation (that will easily pass any sort of regulatory scrutiny) that the patient received treatment. And that’s one less headache for you to worry about.

2. Eliminates Any Confusion as to the Patient’s Identity

You need to know you’re treating the patient you think you’re treating. But in this country, we don’t have a national healthcare identifier system, which some other countries use to distinguish patients from each other. This leaves room for human error. Confusion can exist, especially if a patient is new, has changed his or her name or moves frequently. Patients’ names, insurance providers, places of residence and even genders can change. Fingerprints? They stay the same. So you’ll know, instantly and without a doubt, who is waiting for their appointment.

3. Guards Against Patient Identity Theft

EHRs include sensitive patient health information and personal identifiers like addresses and phone numbers, as well as insurance information. Patient identity theft is a growing problem that fingerprinting can help stop in its tracks.

4. Seamless Integration with Your EHR

A fingerprint scanner sends data directly to your EHR and will instantly document the time he or she signs in and out, without any more effort from you. It’s simple to enroll the patient, too. All it takes is a quick few scans of the patient’s finger, and they’re in the system.

5. Familiarity with the Technology Has Improved

Just a few years ago, fingerprint recognition seemed like something out of a James Bond movie. It certainly wasn’t a part of the fabric of everyday life for most people. But today, fingerprint recognition technology has become commonplace, appearing everywhere from smartphones to time clocks at workplaces. So, doing a quick finger scan won’t be a foreign experience for many of your patients.

If you have questions about the technology and whether it’s right for your practice, visit us online for a consultation.

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