Amazon One: Streamlining Healthcare Identity Management
Amazon is expanding the reach of its contactless palm-scanning technology, Amazon One, through a partnership with NYU Langone Health. This collaboration marks a significant step for the technology, moving beyond its initial deployment in stores and towards a crucial application in healthcare.
Amazon One, first introduced in 2020, allows users to establish a “unique palm signature” via a connected device. This signature is based on each individual’s unique palm characteristics. Once registered, users can simply wave their palm over a device to gain access, streamlining the identity verification process.
NYU Langone, a major healthcare provider with over 50,000 employees and 11.3 million annual outpatient visits, represents a critical environment for secure identity management. The organization highlights the importance of protecting patient data and improving the overall patient experience.
“We’re always looking for ways to improve their experience through technology,” explained Nader Mherabi, executive vice president and chief digital officer at NYU Langone. “As with all new initiatives and technology of this scale, we will optimize over time and meet the needs of our patients.”
The healthcare industry is increasingly grappling with security concerns, privacy issues, and identity theft. Effective patient identification is paramount for accurate data management and improved care. The Journal of the American Health Information Management Association emphasizes that accurate identification ensures a complete patient history.
Amazon One’s technology boasts a 99.9999% accuracy rate with a recognition time of less than one second, using both palm and vein imagery. Colleen Aubrey, svp of AWS Solutions, noted that it aims to simplify patient check-in processes and reduce stress.
Seamless identity management is vital for healthcare due to cumbersome check-in tasks, paperwork, and mobile applications. Amazon is not alone in recognizing this challenge, with companies like Clear also developing secure verification systems. In fact, the applications of biometric identity management extend beyond the patient experience, encompassing a broad range of devices as well. Apple’s FaceID and Google’s biometric technologies are now integral within mobile devices that patients utilize.
While innovation in this field continues, Amazon One offers a particularly unique approach. It harnesses the distinct characteristics of the palm, making it a revolutionary step for healthcare. The launch signifies the potential for advanced identity solutions to enhance patient care and streamline healthcare operations.
