In an effort to leverage health information exchange technology for
consumers, Merge
Healthcare (NASDAQ:MRGE) today announced the introduction of the Merge
Patient Kiosk™ and the successful deployment of this new patient
engagement tool in several imaging centers in the U.S. Combining the
best of kiosk technologies already present in other industries and the
specific requirements of healthcare consumers, the Merge solution
creates a new way for imaging practices to stay connected to their
customers.
“We are very pleased with the launch of this innovative new product
line”
“The kiosks have definitely made a positive impact in our clinics,” says
Matt Dewey, CIO of Zwanger-Pesiri
Radiology in Long Island, New York. “Busy consumers who prefer
user-friendly, automated technology are pleased that they now have the
choice to complete their check-in with our kiosk. Unlike other kiosks,
this system has the ability to connect to an avatar-based live agent,
who can guide our patients through the check-in process when they need
some assistance. Moving forward, I see the Merge Patient Kiosk as an
important tool for keeping patients loyal to our centers.”
The unique avatar-based Merge Patient Kiosk provides assistance from a
professional who can see the person and talk directly to her to answer
any questions, within a private environment. Integrated with Merge’s
Fusion RIS™, the system can set the appropriate alerts, update a
patients’ status and scan documents, such as a driver’s license and
insurance card, all within the normal workflow of a healthcare
enterprises operation. This new product will be on display at the
upcoming HIMSS
show, March 1 – 3, 2010 in Atlanta, Georgia. A special presentation on
the Merge Patient Kiosk will take place on Tuesday, March 2, 2010, at
4:30 PM ET in booth #2759.
“Our front office staff wondered how the kiosk would impact them and our
patients at first,” says Marilyn Lester, Administrator of UT Imaging in
Houston, Texas. “But, within a couple of days, we quickly realized its
true value. It’s just such a win for everyone involved – patients love
the automation, referring physicians tell us that we look very leading
edge and our staff is able to focus on our patient’s clinical experience
rather than routine tasks.”
“We are very pleased with the launch of this innovative new product
line,” says Justin Dearborn, Merge Healthcare CEO. “We’ve had excellent
dialogue with our imaging professional customers and their patients; and
the result is a well designed solution that benefits everyone involved
in an imaging exam.”