NYU Langone Health will be implementing Amazon One, a contactless palm-scanning system, to streamline patient check-ins across its facilities. The announcement came from Amazon in a press release on Monday, March 3. Deployment of the new check-in system is slated to begin the week of Monday, March 10.
The technology, currently in use at Amazon Fresh grocery stores, stadiums, and airports, will be integrated into NYU Langone’s check-in process. This integration aims to boost both efficiency and security.
“One of NYU Langone’s goals is to leverage cutting-edge technology to enhance the patient experience,” stated Nader Mherabi, NYU Langone’s chief digital and information officer. “We make all decisions with our patients in mind first and foremost, and we’re always looking for ways to improve their experience through technology. As with all new initiatives and technology of this scale, we will optimize over time and meet the needs of our patients.”
Amazon One operates by scanning unique palm and vein patterns. The system promises 99.9999 percent accuracy in identity verification, according to Amazon. The entire process takes less than a second, thereby reducing wait times and minimizing the chance of human error.
Patients will have the option to enroll online or at a kiosk prior to their appointments. They will link their palm signature to their existing NYU Langone profile. Participation in the program is entirely voluntary for NYU Langone’s extensive patient base.
Amazon also emphasized that the system does not store or access health records. It incorporates multiple security measures, including encryption and controlled access. Furthermore, Amazon Web Services (AWS) collaborated with Epic, NYU Langone’s electronic health record provider, to facilitate the technology’s integration. This marks Amazon One’s most significant deployment to a third-party provider to date. NYU Langone will also be the first healthcare provider to adopt the biometric system on such a large scale.
“Health care is deeply personal and often stressful,” remarked Colleen Aubrey, senior vice president of AWS Solutions. “With Amazon One, we’ve created a palm recognition system that respects privacy while making check-ins simpler when patients have more important things on their minds. It’s meaningful to see our technology make a real difference in people’s daily lives and provide a more frictionless health care journey without ever compromising on security or patient trust.”
NYU Langone anticipates installing Amazon One scanners at all of its locations by the summer.
