PDC-St. John to Demonstrate Newest Innovations in Bar Code and RFID Patient Identification at HIMSS 2013

Precision Dynamics-St. John (PDC-St. John) rolled out its latest innovations in automated patient identification at the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS) conference and exhibition, from March 3-7, 2013 in New Orleans.

The company’s bar code and RFID wristband systems help healthcare organizations meet mandated requirements of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid (CMS) for electronic tracking of medications—a major area of focus in healthcare, which will receive significant coverage at HIMSS.

Based on meaningful use requirements of the CMS, hospitals must automatically track more than 10% of medication orders using assistive technologies, such as bar code and RFID with electronic medication administration record (eMAR) by 2014. Failure to meet regulations can result in significant incentive payment penalties in fiscal year 2015.

PDC will introduce its newest and softest laser bar code ID wristband, the DuraSoft Laser Patient ID System.

“DuraSoft was inspired by the need for a soft and lightweight wristband that’s more comfortable for patients, while providing efficiency, convenience, and valuable time savings for caregivers, said D’Albert Benoit, marketing manager for PDC-St. John.

Made of ultra soft and smooth materials, DuraSoft provides patient safety, comfort, and durability for up to 15 days. Through hands-on demonstrations, attendees will be encouraged to feel and apply the wristbands to compare their softness, smoothness, and ease of use to that of traditional laser wristband products.

In addition to softness, DuraSoft’s specially designed moisture-resistant material doesn’t require a laminate overlay like traditional laser wristbands. Providers can print information and bar codes directly to its laser printable sheet. An antimicrobial additive protects the wristband surface against non-pathogenic bacteria.

“DuraSoft’s quick and easy application – with no wristband assembly required – saves staff time to improve workflow, while allowing more time for patient care,” said Benoit. In addition, DuraSoft is the only laser wristband that works with PDC-St. John’s Ident-Alert color-coded snaps, a popular product among hospitals that helps caregivers identify one or multiple special patient conditions, such as Allergy Alert, Fall Risk, DNR, etc. using industry standard text and colors.

HIMSS attendees will also have the opportunity to experience the PDC Smart Wristband Dispensing Kiosk – an industry first. Experts from PDC-St. John and Intelligent InSites, the leading provider of real-time operational intelligence in healthcare, will demonstrate the kiosk’s pre-registration and print-on-demand application benefits for hospitals and patients. The technology allows patients to conveniently secure hospital appointments online, and then quickly register at PDC Smart Wristband Kiosks stationed at the hospital, providing significant operational efficiencies for healthcare organizations.

As part of the automated registration process, patients receive a bar-coded confirmation notice after scheduling an appointment online. Upon arrival to the hospital, the patient presents his/her unique bar code to the PDC Smart Kiosk to check-in and instantly receive a personalized admission wristband. The applications help hospitals to speed up transactions while reducing lines, wait times, and the need for additional admissions staff. Additional features allow patients to review their appointment status and disburse their co-pay or other hospital bill directly through the kiosk. The touch-screen interface makes transactions fast and simple, helping to improve customer convenience, satisfaction, and loyalty.

“Healthcare providers face difficult challenges to improve the quality of patient care, reduce costs, and meet critical standardization requirements,” said Tracey Carpentier, president of PDC-St. John. “Our company is focused on being a trusted partner for our customers to help them protect patients, maintain regulatory compliance, and improve operational efficiencies across the continuum of care.”