NYU Langone Patients to Use Palm Scanning for Faster Check-Ins

Amazon's palm-scanning technology, Amazon One, will soon be implemented at NYU Langone Health facilities for patient check-ins. The contactless service aims to enhance patient identification, expedite sign-ins, alleviate administrative burdens, and decrease errors and wait times. With over 10 million patient visits annually, every minute saved is crucial. NYU Langone predicts reducing front desk wait times from 2-3 minutes to under a minute using Amazon One, resulting in a more efficient and streamlined check-in process.

Voluntary Participation and Privacy Measures

NYU Langone emphasizes that participation is optional, and patients can opt out at any time. Furthermore, Amazon will only store and access patients' palm prints, without accessing health data or personal information. This privacy-oriented approach aims to ensure patient security while optimizing the check-in process.

Innovative Collaboration and Future Applications

NYU Langone is the first health-care organization to deploy Amazon One, following a nine-month collaboration. Amazon plans to explore additional applications for Amazon One in healthcare, including access credentialing for high-security areas and shared computer systems. The technology's successful implementation at NYU Langone will serve as a significant milestone for future advancements in health technology integration.

Pilot Launch and Expansion Plans

The Amazon One service will be available at NYU Langone sites in the New York metro area starting next week, with plans for expansion to other locations later this year. The timely implementation of this innovative check-in system aligns with the increasing emphasis on enhancing patient experiences and streamlining administrative workflows in healthcare settings.

As NYU Langone Health facilities prepare to deploy Amazon's palm-scanning technology, the anticipated benefits of reduced wait times, alleviated administrative burdens, and improved patient experiences position this collaboration as a significant step forward in healthcare technology integration. With a focus on optional participation and stringent privacy measures, this innovative approach aims to transform the patient check-in process.