Integrated Systems, Inc. Introduces SureID TechnologyTo Reduce Medical Records Errors.

Business Editors & Health/Medical Writers

SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 10, 2000

Integrated Systems, Inc. (ISI) a Washington, D.C.-based provider of information technology solutions, today introduced its SureID(tm) system for accurate and efficient management of critical

SureID uses a software interface with biometric data (fingerprints) to ensure that medical personnel have access to complete and accurate healthcare records even if a patient is unconscious when being admitted to a medical facility.

Today's announcement marks the debut of this newly-created biometric interface technology that could revolutionize the healthcare industry, the privately held ISI emphasized. SureID is affordably priced so that even the smallest healthcare facility could acquire this new technology.

"Every hospital in America should be concerned about reducing errors in the management of patient data," said Moshe Hefetz, ISI chief technology officer. "These medical record errors can result in unnecessary human suffering, even death -- and the financial costs are also staggering."

According to a Institute of Medicine report released last November and cited by the U.S. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, 98,000 people each year in the U.S. die due to medical errors of all types.

Consequently, healthcare institutions throughout the United States are undergoing increased scrutiny regarding human errors in medical care and patient record management. When a patient's prior medical record and history is unavailable, ISI maintains, there is an increased possibility of prescribing drugs that negatively impact on a patient. (Note: Adverse drug interactions are a leading cause of death for American adults today.)

"The SureID technology helps medical personnel to get a current and accurate picture of a patient's prescription drug use and a complete history of relevant medical information," said Mr. Hefetz. "Even if a patient forgets that he or she is allergic to an antibiotic, for example, that allergy will be noted in the medical database. The only requirement is that the patient had been seen at the facility before, and thus, has a Medical Record Number."

Even when a patient has made repeated visits to a certain healthcare facility, many such institutions have difficulty identifying that patient's existing records. Failure to locate existing records can arise from registration clerk spelling errors, from newly married persons failing to give maiden names, and from the inclusion or exclusion of middle initials and name suffixes such as Jr., Sr., III, etc. Add to this the discrepancies in social security numbers, birth dates and addresses, all of which create difficulty in establishing without question that former records belong to a current patient.

When a records "match" cannot be made, the admitting staff member creates a new record with a new Medical Record Number and a new chart. SureID uses an advanced biometric solution to securely link medical records information with the sole individual to whom the data refer. Unlike most record-management systems currently operating, SureID achieves positive identification regardless of an incoming patient's name, address, birth date or other identifying data. Even if the patient is unconscious (which is not uncommon in emergency room situations) the SureID technology can provide an attending physician with the best available records to facilitate optimal diagnosis and treatment.

In addition to the SureID technology, ISI also provides a full range of information technology consulting services, along with a few select products. Among these product offerings is Perfectform(tm), a technology that converts hard-to-read medical documents into attractive and easily read forms that help reduce medical errors.

ISI offers additional products through its business partnership with the Cyber+Plus Corporation, a Dallas-based developer and marketer of advanced information technology products for the healthcare industry. One of the partnership's jointly marketed products is Cyber+View, a state-of-the-art graphical technology that consolidates data from numerous incompatible information systems (or a data warehouse) in order to facilitate optimal healthcare decisions. Cyber+View provides healthcare practitioners with critical information in a meaningful and understandable form which facilitates evidence-based clinical decisions and operational modifications. Another Cyber+Plus product offered by the partnership is Cyber+Le, a language engine that can convert common English terms into standard medical terminology.

Founded in 1988 by five information technology (IT) professionals who have an intricate knowledge of healthcare, financial, clinical, patient care and business operations, ISI maintains permanent offices at several of its client sites in addition to its Washington, DC headquarters location.