PatientSecure FAQs

PatientSecure scans the vein pattern of your palm. Vein patterns are highly unique to each person. The scan uses harmless near-infrared light, which is the same as the light of a TV remote control. The advanced algorithm processes your vein pattern to create an encrypted and protected digital file which is linked to your unique medical record.

This new technology helps ensure the right medical record is pulled up promptly at the time of check-in.

This new process helps to eliminate duplicate and overlaid medical records and protects against fraud and identity theft. In addition, registration in the system will allow the hospital to properly identify unconscious patients, should the need arise.

Vein pattern in a palm is highly unique to each person. The biometric scan is able to detect roughly 30,000 unique points within a vein pattern, which is then converted to a numerical value that connects to your medical record.

Yes. Near-infrared light is the shortest wavelength of infrared light and is harmless. It does not give off heat and is the type of infrared light used in devices such as night vision goggles and TV remote controls.

No. Palm vein scanning is not used by the legal system or law enforcement. In addition, vein pattern recognition requires blood flow and therefore is not suitable for forensic analysis.

PatientSecure will be rolled out across all registration points in the CoxHealth medical system. Once registered, you will place your right hand on the vein scanner each time you check-in to pull up the correct medical record for registration staff. Registration staff will still confirm all information is up-to-date and accurate.

During enrollment fairs or during your next visit to CoxHealth you can register for PatientSecure by bringing two forms of identification. At that time, staff will pull up your record and ask you to scan your vein pattern twice to ensure an accurate reading. Once registered you will only have your veins scanned once at future visits.

At all registration desks across the CoxHealth system, including hospitals, doctor’s offices and clinic locations.

All patients over the age of five are eligible to connect their palm vein pattern to their medical record.

No. Patients are able to opt-out of using this system at check-in.