What Is a Typical Implementation?
While each individual hospital has its unique requirements, a typical LifeMed™ Smart card implementation has the following components:
Software Modules:
- Desktop software at registration terminals and at other points of encounter to read/write Smart cards. This software will allow information stored on Smart cards to be displayed on desktop and kiosk screens, will have ability to manipulate data, and can be printed in hard copy form. All data is accompanied by a time-and-date stamp to confirm the latest and most accurate information is present.
- Integration of a software bridge to capture the unique patient number from Smart card and push it to ADT admissions software.
- Two-part security authentication for users to be certified to view and update data.
- Web site interface for gathering patient information to populate Smart cards.
- Security/usage log with passive transmission to LifeMed™ for backup and auditing purposes.
Smart Cards:
- Given the need to be able to re-write (update) data, the patient Smart cards MUST be microprocessor cards. This choice is prudent for a hospital because microprocessor cards afford additional data security features (encryption) as compared to memory-only Smart cards. Additionally, the life cycle costs of microprocessor cards are far less than their memory-only counterparts because re-issuance costs for memory cards nearly always exceed single-issuance costs over the course of a project.
- Administrator cards will also be microprocessor cards, but with more advanced cryptographic capabilities and encryption keys. For example, Administrator cards will be able to utilize PKCS-11 protocol for two-part authentication.
Readers:
- Desktop readers will be attached to admission stations at the hospital, as well as being available at membership program management sites. Readers will attach to local desktops via USB connection. Alternatively, a hospital may consider using keyboards that have Smart card readers built directly into the keyboards.
- Ambulance personnel as well as other first responders will use portable readers. These hand held devices will be able to display the entire Smart card record (scrolling format) for the healthcare professional.
Kiosks and Associated Software:
- Kiosks (free standing, desktop, wall mounted or other custom configurations are available) will be deployed with software that allows for patient data entry, review, and updates. The patient can use information from the Smart cards (via the kiosk) to speed up the registration process.
- Pre-registration tasks, including printing of updated “Consent Of Treatment,” “Conditions of Service,” and “HIPAA Disclosure Policies” can also be managed through the kiosk. Several physical kiosk designs are offered.
What About System Integration?
It’s hard enough to manage a secure and stable hospital management software system. Each time another software product needs to be integrated, headaches for the IT department are the norm. Not so with the LifeMed™ card platform. Recognizing that hospital management, admissions software, and CRM software, have their own requirements, we have created the LifeMed™ system so that it can bridge each touch point, or remain totally autonomous, operating in an offline mode.
Many hospitals currently have successful membership marketing programs. The general intent of these programs is to offer certain products or services (usually at a discount) to the membership group. In turn, the patients reward the sponsoring hospital with a closer loyalty alignment. The LifeMed™ program has been designed to seamlessly integrate with essentially all membership programs to enhance overall value and create a stronger patient relationship.
The LifeMed™ Smart card simply replaces the existing membership card, but leverages its technology to deliver valuable, time-saving information. It’s the difference between a horse-and-buggy and a jet airplane.
Future Considerations
In almost every situation, future enhancements to the currently proposed system are desirable. Fortunately, each functional element for future launches can build upon existing hardware and software. Thus, no additional “upgrade” costs are related to future modules. Some components considered for future implementations (Phase II, and beyond) include:
- Kiosks with additional functionality.
- Additional customized data on Smart cards including pharmacy.
- Integration into other related software systems.
- Financial transaction management (credit, debit, Smart card e-cash).
- Integration into local physician offices and clinics.
- Area-wide data integration.
Consider the many ways that Smart cards can influence your patient population and affect your bottom line. Call your local LifeMed™ representative today.
