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Capital Health System Streamlines Data and File Management With RFID System From Intermec and Infolinx

Posted on: Wednesday, 1 August 2007, 06:04 CDT

The adoption of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) in 1996 has made managing and tracking patient information a top priority for health organizations. To help meet HIPAA compliance and improve efficiency, Capital Health System has implemented a file tracking system using a healthcare records management solution from Infolinx Systems Solutions and passive UHF (ultra high frequency) RFID (radio frequency identification) technologies from Intermec (NYSE:IN).

Located in Trenton, N.J., Capital Health System is a 589-bed acute-care and teaching hospital. The RFID-based solution was implemented in its Sleep Centers to manage the 5,000 patient files in use there. The system is a comprehensive records solution that tracks patient files from beginning to end, including a records retention program. Infolinx, an Intermec Honours Partner, also consolidated three patient databases into one, improving Capital Health System's ability to manage and access data.

"The RFID-based solution at Capital Health's Sleep Centers provides a single system to manage the significant amount of meta data for the patient demographics and the physical life cycle of the patient chart," said Chip Benson, director of business development at Infolinx Systems Solutions. "RFID is the ideal technology to automate the tracking and management of patient files, and the Intermec solution seamlessly integrated into the system."

Intermec Gen2 RFID tags are placed on every patient file. A series of Intermec IF4 fixed RFID readers are placed in strategic locations around the sleep center to program the tags and track them as they are used around the complex. The system automatically updates the database to provide accurate, current record location data. Intermec 750 handheld computers with IP4 RFID readers are used in situations where files can't be located and for regular audits of offices to ensure files are not misplaced.

"The Intermec/Infolinx RFID system completely automates the file tracking process, so our staff spends much less time managing files," said Rita Brooks, administrative director for the Sleep Centers. "We've seen a significant decrease in misplaced files since we've implemented the solution, which has improved the efficiency of our operations."

About Intermec

Intermec Inc. (NYSE:IN) develops, manufactures and integrates technologies that identify, track and manage supply chain assets. Core technologies include RFID, mobile computing and data collection systems, bar code printers and label media. The company's products and services are used by customers in many industries worldwide to improve the productivity, quality and responsiveness of business operations. For more information about Intermec, visit www.intermec.com or call 800-347-2636. Contact Intermec Investor Relations Director Kevin McCarty at kevin.mccarty@intermec.com, 425-265-2472.

About Infolinx Systems Solutions

Infolinx System Solutions provides records and information management consulting, software and products to a broad range of commercial and government clients. The company's solutions manage critical business documents throughout their entire lifecycle from creation through final document destruction. Infolinx readily enables the execution of records compliance management and even the most complex records retention schedules. For more information, visit: www.infolinx.com.

Source: Business Wire

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