Healthcare Wireless Access Point for Secure Patient Check-in
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional healthcare check-in processes are time-consuming, resource-intensive, and risk the disclosure of personal health information, while also leading to long wait times due to manual and oral communication methods.
Innovation Solution
A healthcare service provider specific wireless access point that facilitates secure communication between patients, providers, and third-party services using HIPAA-compliant security, allowing patients to connect via Wi-Fi and manage their medical information through a mobile application, with features for check-in, appointment management, and secure data sharing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual check-in procedures are used, then staff can directly interact with patients to collect information, but the process becomes time-consuming and resource-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables patients to perform check-in, information update, and appointment coordination autonomously through a mobile application connected to the healthcare provider's network, eliminating the need for staff-assisted manual procedures and significantly reducing wait times
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical processes (paper forms, oral communication, physical presence at check-in desk) with an electronic system using wireless communication, mobile devices, and automated data processing to achieve the same information collection and patient coordination functions
2Reliability
If oral disclosure and manual processes are used for patient identification and information collection, then staff can verify patient identity, but personal health information may be disclosed to other patients in the waiting room
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces a mobile application and wireless communication network as intermediaries between patients and healthcare providers, allowing patient identification and information exchange to occur through encrypted digital channels rather than public oral disclosure in waiting areas
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces vulnerable manual information exchange with secure electronic communication protocols, substituting oral disclosure with encrypted data transmission that protects patient privacy while maintaining verification reliability
3Productivity
If patients present themselves at the check-in desk to provide information, then staff can collect updated insurance information and medical forms, but the process results in unduly long wait or appointment times
Solution Approach 1:
The system allows patients to complete check-in procedures, update information, and coordinate appointments in advance through the mobile application before their actual appointment time, eliminating the need for time-consuming on-site information collection and reducing wait times
Solution Approach 2:
Patients autonomously complete information collection tasks through the mobile application, eliminating the need for staff-assisted form filling and data entry, thereby improving information collection efficiency while reducing the time patients spend in the office
4Ease of operation
If manual processes are used for patient coordination and scheduling, then staff can manage patient flow, but patients and staff may not be aware of and monitor how long a patient has been waiting
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements automated feedback mechanisms through the mobile application that provide real-time updates to patients about their wait status and appointment timing, enabling both patients and staff to monitor wait times accurately without manual tracking
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual wait time tracking with automated electronic monitoring and notification systems that continuously update patient and staff on current wait status, eliminating information loss associated with manual processes
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for providing a health care service provider specific wireless access point that facilitates secure communication between a patient, provider, and/or third-party service. Patient devices may connect to the healthcare service provider (HSP) wireless access point or “hub” when they are in range of the hub (e.g., when in a doctor's office waiting room). The wireless access point may be also configured to detect the presence of a patient device. In various implementations, the wireless access point may be configured to obtain identifying information of patient devices and send the information to a server. The server may be configured to use the information to create or update a profile for the patient associated with a patient device. The profile may be updated by additional information derived from the patient's interaction with the network, provider input, and/or by the patient updating their profile or inputting additional information.