New Optio labeling product supports RFID, bar-code technology
Optio Advanced Labeling highlighted a number of new products at HIMSS06 last month to assist healthcare facilities in generating thermal, bar-code and RFID labels. The labels can be printed on demand from windows desktop computers and mobile devices, the company said.
Optio Advanced Labeling was created to enable hospital staff to create bar-coded patient identification and RFID labels on demand, whether in the admissions department or at the patient's bedside. These labels can be used to track pharmaceuticals between pharmacy and patient, accurately identify lab specimens and biopsy samples, protect infants and Alzheimer's patients by tracking their location, and manage controlled substances, pathogens and other materials that pose a public health risk, the company said.
The technology also can help organizations meet Health Information Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) privacy and security requirements as well as Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO) medication management regulations.
The company pointed out that in a report in mid-2005 Research & Markets expected the RFID industry to grow from a $1.95 billion market in 2005 to $26.9 billion in 2015. Though many other industries have begun to incorporate RFID and bar-code labeling in business processes, healthcare remains far behind.
"With bar-code technology becoming increasingly affordable, it's surprising that only 3 percent of small hospitals are currently bar coding medication," said Elaine King, RHIA, Optio healthcare product manager. "Mismedicating patients is one of the leading causes of accidental death in a hospital setting. Bar codes and RFID technology could significantly reduce this risk," added King.
In addition to Advanced Labeling, HIMSS attendees also had a look at other Optio products such as MedEx and MedForms, Optio's forms automation products, as well as QuickRecord, a subscription-based EHR, and Optio Patient Signature Capture, an e-signature system that integrates with any EHR system.
Optio Advanced Labeling was created to enable hospital staff to create bar-coded patient identification and RFID labels on demand, whether in the admissions department or at the patient's bedside. These labels can be used to track pharmaceuticals between pharmacy and patient, accurately identify lab specimens and biopsy samples, protect infants and Alzheimer's patients by tracking their location, and manage controlled substances, pathogens and other materials that pose a public health risk, the company said.
The technology also can help organizations meet Health Information Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) privacy and security requirements as well as Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO) medication management regulations.
The company pointed out that in a report in mid-2005 Research & Markets expected the RFID industry to grow from a $1.95 billion market in 2005 to $26.9 billion in 2015. Though many other industries have begun to incorporate RFID and bar-code labeling in business processes, healthcare remains far behind.
"With bar-code technology becoming increasingly affordable, it's surprising that only 3 percent of small hospitals are currently bar coding medication," said Elaine King, RHIA, Optio healthcare product manager. "Mismedicating patients is one of the leading causes of accidental death in a hospital setting. Bar codes and RFID technology could significantly reduce this risk," added King.
In addition to Advanced Labeling, HIMSS attendees also had a look at other Optio products such as MedEx and MedForms, Optio's forms automation products, as well as QuickRecord, a subscription-based EHR, and Optio Patient Signature Capture, an e-signature system that integrates with any EHR system.