Healthcare Biometrics is a growing industry. Most healthcare organizations and hospitals use biometric systems to safeguard patient data and identification. There are several challenges in healthcare biometrics, however. These include a rising number of cyber criminals targeting the healthcare biometrics industry, and the need to improve patient identification and security.
Retina scans
Retina scans in healthcare biometry have the advantages of being quick and accurate. The imaging process consists of capturing an image of the retina, and then converting that image to a digital format so it can be cross-referenced against a database. The first phase of this process is the most time-consuming, and it requires the user to hold their eye perfectly still. The scanning process can take up to 45 seconds, and three to five images are captured in order to make an accurate comparison.
Retina scans are a form of healthcare biometrics, utilizing the patterns of blood vessels in the retina to verify an individual’s identity. The scanning process involves low-level infrared light to create a control image. While retina scans are a useful way to verify the identity of an employee, the technology does have some limitations. The first disadvantage is that retina scans are not very easy to fool. Furthermore, the hardware is expensive and complicated. Another disadvantage is the intrusion into the user’s workflow.
Palm-vein scanning
Palm-vein scanning is a fast and reliable form of biometric patient identification. This technology enables healthcare providers to ensure that the right person is treating a patient, and to document the correct medical record for each patient. Its many advantages make it an excellent choice for the healthcare industry.
The main benefits of palm-vein scanning include security and privacy. This biometric tool is highly accurate, reliable, and easy to use. This biometric identification method has a variety of uses, and has the potential to prevent frauds. The technology was first developed in the 1980s by Joe Rice at the Kodak company. However, it did not become widespread until the late 1990s, when it became commercially available. It was then deployed in a number of areas, including healthcare.
BayCare Health System, which has 14 hospitals in Tampa, Florida, has implemented palm-vein scanning for patient identification. This biometric patient identification method helps BayCare hospitals to eliminate medical records mix-ups.
Rise of cybercrime targeting healthcare biometrics
As the cybercrime landscape becomes more sophisticated, hospitals must take heightened security measures. Healthcare organizations store huge amounts of sensitive information that can make them a target for hackers. These records are worth a lot of money, and hospitals should protect their data to prevent data breaches. As the GDPR goes into effect in 2018, hospitals are also under increasing pressure to protect their systems from ransomware attacks.
Biometric data is becoming a popular way to secure healthcare information. A recent study from Capterra revealed that 50 per cent of respondents are concerned about security breaches. They cite concerns about identity theft, misuse of personal data, and reduction of privacy. Biometric technology uses physical characteristics to identify an individual. It can also be used to screen people at border crossings and detect fraud.
Challenges
The implementation of healthcare biometrics involves several challenges. For example, healthcare institutions must secure their computing equipment and provide a consistent electrical power supply. They must also have trained IT staff to implement biometrics and network healthcare records. They must also ensure the confidentiality of data. Finally, healthcare institutions must consider the cost of implementing biometrics.
There is also a gap in community awareness on biometrics, which makes educating communities about biometrics crucial. While most clients did not object to biometric use, they did not understand the full benefits of this technology. Implementers had a higher level of awareness than non-implementers.
Opportunities
Health care biometrics are an emerging field that offers opportunities for healthcare organizations and their patients. These technologies can be used to match patients to healthcare providers and improve interoperability, privacy and health records linking. However, there are many challenges to implementing biometrics in the health care industry. Some challenges include data privacy and compatibility, and the cost of installing biometric technology. This technology can also create a number of challenges for the health care industry, especially when it comes to matching populations.
Healthcare fraud is a big concern for healthcare organizations and patients. Cyber-attacks are affecting the healthcare industry, leading to increased enforcement from the Department of Justice. For example, individuals can commit healthcare fraud by providing false information, forging prescription drugs, or using another person’s insurance card to access health care services. The use of biometrics in healthcare settings will greatly reduce this problem. Fraudulent activities affect healthcare providers’ short-term revenue, reputation among patients, and long-term bottom line.