MedicAlert to launch PHR pilot project utilizing RFID technology at California State University Stanislaus.
In collaboration with Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) and Siemens IT Solutions and Services
Turlock, CA. February 7, 2007. MedicAlert a pioneer in medical emergency information services and a leading provider of Personal Health Records announced plans to launch a pilot project to test the use of Radio Frequency Identification Detection (RFID) in improving access to student health information. MedicAlert is working with Advanced Micro Devices, Siemens IT Solutions and Services and California State University Stanislaus, to demonstrate the effective application and use of RFID technology. The 90-day pilot is expected to start March 1, 2007 and it is estimated that about 200 students will participate in the project.
“The introduction of the MedicAlert RFID can help eliminate the financial and technical barriers to access critical student health information. Medical personnel will have access to electronic health information that could save a student’s life. “We are very grateful for the generous funding from Advanced Micro Devices (AMD), that enables us to innovate our life-saving services using new technologies” said Paul Kortschak, president and chief executive officer of MedicAlert Foundation.
“AMD’s vision is simple—to change lives for the better. We admire MedicAlert Foundation’s fifty-years of dedicated service to improve patient safety and quality of care, and are extremely delighted to be able to contribute to its life-saving mission.” said Ed Gasiorowski, Vice President Sales, Global Commercial Vertical Markets at AMD.
“With our extensive background in RFID and experience in developing innovative solutions, we are delighted to take the next step with MedicAlert in improving process, safety and efficiency,” said Paul Maier, Senior Vice President of Sales at Siemens IT Solutions and Services, Inc.
Students participating in the pilot will be provided with a one-year free subscription to MedicAlert Membership and a special plastic RFID enabled ID Card. The RFID circuit on the card will only contain the student’s unique member identification number linked to their personal health record securely stored at the MedicAlert repository. Each time a student enters the student health center a secure kiosk will print out a Personal Health Summary Record of the student’s medical information that has been stored in the MedicAlert repository. The summary can then be added to the “face sheet” or to the student’s medical record to be used as additional or supplemental information for the clinical visit.
“We are honored that world class organizations such as MedicAlert Foundation, Advanced Micro Devices, and Siemens have chosen our campus as the site for this innovative project to improve access to student medical information. It is my belief that the success of this pilot will expand the scope of its use in the California State System, and perhaps at other university systems across the Nation.” said Hamid Shirvani, president of California State University at Stanislaus.
About MedicAlert
MedicAlert Foundation is a leading provider of personal health records dedicated to protecting and saving lives of its members. MedicAlert services are built around a repository of health information that enables members to manage their personal health records while maintaining security, privacy and confidentiality. As the trusted third party custodian of comprehensive personal health information, the MedicAlert repository can provide critical medical information to responders 24 hours a day anywhere in the world. The premium placed by MedicAlert on patient confidentiality has earned the trust of 4 million members and the healthcare community worldwide.
Founded in 1956, MedicAlert is headquartered in the United States and has international affiliates in nine countries. For more information visit www.medicalert.org
Advanced Micro Devices AMD
Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) is a leading global provider of innovative microprocessor solutions for computing, communications and consumer electronics markets. Founded in 1969, AMD is dedicated to delivering superior computing solutions based on customer needs that empower users worldwide. For more information visit www.amd.com.
Siemens IT Solutions and Services
Siemens IT Solutions and Services, Inc. is one of Siemens operating companies in the United States. Siemens IT Solutions and Services is an internationally leading provider of IT solutions and services. With its comprehensive know-how and specific sector knowledge, this division of Siemens offers solutions and services from a single source – from consulting to systems integration to software development and management of IT infrastructures. Siemens IT Solutions and Services has 43,000 employees and posts annual worldwide sales of more than $6.4 billion USD. For more information, please visit www.usa.siemens.com/it-solutions.
California State University, Stanislaus
CSU Stanislaus is part of the California State University system. Established in 1957, CSU Stanislaus in Turlock emphasize access to quality public higher education and workforce preparation that is responsive to regional needs. CSU Stanislaus consistently receives high ratings from the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC); high rankings in US News & World Report magazine’s annual Best Colleges edition for educational excellence; and recognition in Hispanic Outlook magazine. It is noted for its small class sizes and low percentage of student debt upon graduation. The highly accessible faculty is renowned for teaching, research and service. The diverse student body includes many first-generation students and working parents. For more information visit www.csustan.edu.
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