Patient identification and verification are crucial in the healthcare sector. It can make a difference in the level of imparting effective services. Easy access to information means patients can have more control over their healthcare.
The healthcare sector has seen massive benefits due to technology. Doctors, even without face-to-face consultations, are now able to dispense medication. Robots have become a valuable tool in operating rooms. Over 80% of hospitals and healthcare practitioners are or plan to use AI technology. Such have increased diagnosis precision by up to 90%.
Legacy methods like paper systems bring tons of challenges to healthcare providers. It can be pretty difficult to collect and process large amounts of data. This can impact the ability of such institutions to plan their operations well.
Lack of access to information makes it difficult to identify and verify patients. That means even those who need services may not be able to access such.
This article looks at the importance and uses of digital identity verification in the healthcare sector. Let’s explore it.
Contents
Digital identity verification is confirming that a person is who they say they are. The identity verification companies use specific technologies to obtain this confirmation. The software used by these companies analyzes unique data sets in each identity document. It then cross-checks the information with other factors. Such include facial biometrics or other ID documents.
The identity verification technologies use a combination of customizable verification methods. These include out-of-wallet challenges, biometrics, and identity data matching.
Some of the best companies in this field also have proprietary verification tools. These tools further enhance the identity verification process. The best verification software must also adhere to compliance laws. Common laws include COPPA, GDPR, and ESRB.
Let’s look at some ways ID verification impacts the healthcare sector.
Data breaches in the healthcare sector are a real concern. In 2021, Over 50 million Americans experienced a health information breach. There was a 10% increase in protected health information exposure from 2020.
Identity fraud continues to be a big challenge for the industry. Hackers will steal patient information because it contains a lot of personal data. The same applies to medical records, which have a lot of patient information.
The use of traditional verification methods is no longer adequate. It is easy for hackers to change or alter documentation to get access. Indeed, anyone with basic computer knowledge can find online tools to edit documents.
It is also no longer enough to ask questions or click on a box to confirm the identity. The same applies to using addresses or account information. Companies must input different verification methods to ensure proper security.
Combining multi-factor authentication with biometrics, for example, can make the systems more secure. Such authentication systems make it hard for anyone to use and steal documents. Technologies like facial recognition systems help verify the true identity of patients. A good verification company will develop customizable plans specific to your needs.
Data collection and management have become much easier, thanks to technology. Sectors like healthcare have been one of the biggest beneficiaries. Healthcare providers now have quick access to patient records.
Healthcare providers can use the information for patient management. This is especially very helpful when dealing with remote clients. The data insights enhance the research and planning processes. The result is the provision of better healthcare services.
Better data management also refers to the sharing of patient information. Healthcare providers work in collaboration with other experts. Identification verification ensures only those with authorized access have privileges to see and use the information.
Read more: 6 Benefits of Health Informatics
There are specific laws that govern data collection and management. These include:-
Practitioners need to identify patients before providing medical services and drug prescriptions. Failure to follow state or country-specific regulations can result in hefty penalties.
Leveraging the benefits of digital identification can improve the patient experience with healthcare providers. It improves data security and reduces costs for the institutions. Quick access to information enhances efficiency. It eliminates the need for constant exchange of personal information at each point.
There is also the time-saving aspect of eliminating cumbersome verification processes.
We can summarize the benefits of identity verification in the following points:
Identity verification in the healthcare sector is critical. Healthcare providers can ensure better security of patient information. Modern technologies provide a fantastic way to minimize the risks of identity theft and fraud cases.
Quick access to information means more efficiency in dispensation of the services. Letting go of time-consuming legacy systems can cut down on costs that go into manual labor.
The practitioners must also adhere to regulatory compliance laws. Failure to do so can expose the patients to unnecessary risk. For healthcare providers, it can result in stiff penalties and loss of reputation.
By using identity verification, the patients` experience with the healthcare providers will also improve. They will develop greater trust because they know their information is safe. When shopping for a solution, be picky about the identity verification company. Go for one that offers a combination of verification methods. The more stringent, the better for data and client protection.
