News

Pennsylvania patients to test check-in kiosks

February 22, 2011

Medical patients in Western Pennsylvania are testing self-service check-in kiosks as part of a pilot program launched by PatientPoint, a provider of self-service and revenue cycle management applications, and Highmark Inc., an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association based in Pittsburgh.

According to a press release, Highmark will deploy PatientPoint tablet kiosks to providers in its Western Pennsylvania market to allow patients to update or confirm existing demographic and insurance information and complete other practice forms as well as pay their copayments, coinsurance or deductible balances. Highmark members are then directed to personalized messages about key health indicators, pharmacy cost management and more on the tablet.

"PatientPoint is an example of a technology that fits into our overall innovation strategy aimed at leveraging emerging technologies that drive better health outcomes," said Paul Puopolo, vice president of business innovation and development at Highmark. "We often don't interact with our members at the true point of care – the doctor's office. Highmark's Innovation team, working closely with our Provider and Digital Strategy teams, saw this technology as an opportunity to drive value for our members by giving them personalized health and cost information while they're in the waiting room that can then lead to meaningful conversations with their doctor in the exam room."

Future pilots may also include follow-up mobile messaging to members.