Medical tablet theft and i-pad theft are an increasing concern as more and more medical providers and facilities see the value of this technology and are integrating it in the healthcare profession. The theft of an i-pad carries with it not only the actual cost of the hardware, but also the potential compromise of patient information. I have written previously that one solution to prevent the theft of medical i-pads is the use of Alpha Thunder Tags and electronic article surveillance antennas. It has crossed my mind that if medical facilities can protect their own devices with anti-theft devices, what about the potential to also protect patient’s tablets and i-pads from theft?
Before I go on, you may be not be familiar with Alpha Thunder Tags so let me first tell you a little about what the tag is and how it prevents medical i-pad theft or tablet theft. The Thunder Tag is a reusable, anti-theft device that is attached to a mobile medical device. If tampered with, the tag emits a loud, piercing alarm. If it is carried within the range of an electronic article surveillance (EAS) antenna located near a doorway or entrance, the antenna alarm activates and staff is warned that someone is attempting to walk out with a device. The 3 Alarm version of the tag also has a built in alarm that will sound if the protected device is carried past the EAS antenna.
My thinking on the subject is this; theft from hospital patients is a very real issue. While it may not be commonplace, there are numerous documented incidents of theft from patients and some of these have included tablet and i-pad theft. Here are some examples:
In a Sept. 12, 2014 story, according to dailybruin.com, a medical student allegedly stole an i-pad from a dying woman.
I
n a Globalnews.ca, 17 April 2013 article, a new mother had her wallets and i-pad stolen from her hospital room in a Canadian hospital.
According to App.com in a 26 December 2015 article, an AristaCare at Whiting assisted-living facility nursing assistant was accused of stealing i-pads as well as other personal belongings from patients.
Pix 11.com reported on July 24, 2015, that from January to May a serial thief was sneaking into rooms and stealing valuables. On 1 May 2015 the subject stole a tablet from an elderly man’s room.
Suppose a medical center is taking steps to protect themselves from tablet theft and i-pad theft by using Alpha Thunder Tags. The hospital would already have the EAS antennas in place to detect devices being removed from the facility. Now consider as a part of the check in process for patients, the offering of Alpha Thunder Tags for patient laptops and i-pads. If accepted, facility staff could apply a tag to the patient’s device and upon checkout; staff could remove the tag with their controlled removal tool. If a thief attempted to steal a patient’s i-pad or tablet, the same system protecting hospital equipment would also protect patients.
From a public relations standpoint, offering anti-theft protection to patients for personal devices could be a significant boost to customer trust and satisfaction. For liability purposes, offering such devices could reduce hospital responsibility if a loss took place and a patient had refused the option of a Thunder Tag. I am not a legal expert, but it would seem to me that if the situation were to arise and a healthcare facility could show that the same protection they use for their equipment was offered to a patient and it was refused, responsibility would then seem to have to be borne by the victim.
There should be no question that protecting hospital i-pads and tablets from theft has to be a requirement, considering the costs associated with lost patient data. With a system already in place, why not offer the same protections of Alpha Thunder Tags to patients and earn the trust of your clientele?
For more information on Alpha Thunder Tags, contact us or call 1.770.426.0547
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Protect Popular Mobile Medical Devices With Alpha Thunder Tags
Why are mobile medical devices so popular? Why does there seem to be such a proliferation of them in the medical profession? What kind of devices are being used for medical purposes and are there any risks associated with their use? Let me address the last question first. Mobile medical devices that I am referring to are tablets, i-pads, i-phones, etc. These devices are small, portable and easy for medical staff to carry with them while seeing patients. A far cry from the days of clipboards and file folders with patient information, these devices provide access to the same information but with the added benefit of being easier to navigate through information. Since the devices do carry patient data there is risk associated with them, but tablet theft and i-pad theft risk can be minimized with the use of Alpha Thunder Tags.
Alpha Thunder Tags are anti-theft devices attached directly to the item(s) that needs to be protected. They work with an electronic article surveillance system antenna that emits a loud alarm if someone tries to leave a building with a device. Flashing LED lights of an antenna also alert staff of a security breach. If someone attempts an i-pad theft by removing the anti-theft device, the tag has an internal tamper alarm that activates and alerts personnel of an incident as it happens.
Why the proliferation of mobile medical devices? There a couple of reasons for it, the first being a push by the federal government for medical providers to move to electronic medical records (EMR). The idea being, that digitalizing data and patient information would drive down health care costs. Medical providers are attempting to meet government requirements and therefore the use of mobile devices has increased. While there are medical professionals who are both pro and con on the program, the fact is there are more devices being used and any time there is an increase in something of value, there is always someone out there who would like to steal it. The reason may be simply to get hands on something of value and try to resell it or more concerning, steal it and try to hack information contained on it. In either situation a tablet theft or i-pad theft can be an expensive loss to a medical provider.
Another reason for the proliferation of the devices is that medical providers are finding there are many benefits to using mobile medical i-pads, i-phones and tablets. Patient information is easy to access. Doctors can consult with other physicians on patient diagnosis, medical history can show medications a patient may be on and help a doctor avoid prescribing a medication that may negatively interfere with a drug the patient is already taking. There are also a growing number of medical apps that are available to medical professionals. Some of the top apps available for medical i-phones according to the web site “Healthcare IT News” include:
1. Epocrates – The user can view continually updated clinical data
2. Skyscape Medical Resources – a collection of medical information and decision
3. Eyechart – used to measure visual acuity.
4. Taber’s Medical Dictionary – contains over 60,000 terms, 1,000 photos and 600 patient care statements
5. MedCalc – a medical calculator that provides access to medical formulas and scores.
The list of available apps for doctors and nurses goes on, from Neurology toolkits to Veterinarian tools. With so much information and information sharing available at the touch of a screen, it makes sense why transitioning to a mobile technology would be beneficial to hospitals, clinics and other healthcare providers. It is also understandable how a tablet theft could have negative impacts on a practice if medical data is on a device. The loss of access to these apps could also cause problems if a medical practitioner has come to rely on them for their day to day patient care.
Medical mobile devices have immeasurable value in the health care industry. The opportunities for reducing errors and improving care with new apps are boundless. But, we must not lose sight of the risks associated with mobile devices. They are small and can be easily misplaced or stolen and in the process, patient data may be at risk. Using Alpha Thunder tags is the sensible solution to prevent i-pad theft and tablet theft.
For more information on Alpha Thunder Tags, contact us or call 1.770.426.0547
Why are mobile medical devices so popular? Why does there seem to be such a proliferation of them in the medical profession? What kind of devices are being used for medical purposes and are there any risks associated with their use? Let me address the last question first. Mobile medical devices that I am referring to are tablets, i-pads, i-phones, etc. These devices are small, portable and easy for medical staff to carry with them while seeing patients. A far cry from the days of clipboards and file folders with patient information, these devices provide access to the same information but with the added benefit of being easier to navigate through information. Since the devices do carry patient data there is risk associated with them, but tablet theft and i-pad theft risk can be minimized with the use of Alpha Thunder Tags.
Alpha Thunder Tags are anti-theft devices attached directly to the item(s) that needs to be protected. They work with an electronic article surveillance system antenna that emits a loud alarm if someone tries to leave a building with a device. Flashing LED lights of an antenna also alert staff of a security breach. If someone attempts an i-pad theft by removing the anti-theft device, the tag has an internal tamper alarm that activates and alerts personnel of an incident as it happens.
Why the proliferation of mobile medical devices? There a couple of reasons for it, the first being a push by the federal government for medical providers to move to electronic medical records (EMR). The idea being, that digitalizing data and patient information would drive down health care costs. Medical providers are attempting to meet government requirements and therefore the use of mobile devices has increased. While there are medical professionals who are both pro and con on the program, the fact is there are more devices being used and any time there is an increase in something of value, there is always someone out there who would like to steal it. The reason may be simply to get hands on something of value and try to resell it or more concerning, steal it and try to hack information contained on it. In either situation a tablet theft or i-pad theft can be an expensive loss to a medical provider.
Another reason for the proliferation of the devices is that medical providers are finding there are many benefits to using mobile medical i-pads, i-phones and tablets. Patient information is easy to access. Doctors can consult with other physicians on patient diagnosis, medical history can show medications a patient may be on and help a doctor avoid prescribing a medication that may negatively interfere with a drug the patient is already taking. There are also a growing number of medical apps that are available to medical professionals. Some of the top apps available for medical i-phones according to the web site “Healthcare IT News” include:
1. Epocrates – The user can view continually updated clinical data
2. Skyscape Medical Resources – a collection of medical information and decision
3. Eyechart – used to measure visual acuity
4. Taber’s Medical Dictionary – contains over 60,000 terms, 1,000 photos and 600 patient care statements
5. MedCalc – a medical calculator that provides access to medical formulas and scores.
The list of available apps for doctors and nurses goes on, from Neurology toolkits to Veterinarian tools. With so much information and information sharing available at the touch of a screen, it makes sense why transitioning to a mobile technology would be beneficial to hospitals, clinics and other healthcare providers. It is also understandable how a tablet theft could have negative impacts on a practice if medical data is on a device. The loss of access to these apps could also cause problems if a medical practitioner has come to rely on them for their day to day patient care.
Medical mobile devices have immeasurable value in the health care industry. The opportunities for reducing errors and improving care with new apps are boundless. But, we must not lose sight of the risks associated with mobile devices. They are small and can be easily misplaced or stolen and in the process, patient data may be at risk. Using Alpha Thunder tags is the sensible solution to prevent i-pad theft and tablet theft.
For more information on Alpha Thunder Tags, contact us or call 1.770.426.0547
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Imposters Steal Medical Devices – Eliminate The Threat With Alpha Thunder Tags
In April 2015, Phoenix police arrested a man for stealing more than $150,000 in medical equipment from Valley hospitals according to an azcentral.com article dated April 24, 2015 by Jerod Macdonald-Evoy. The subject would dress in scrubs and pretend to be a doctor then steal IV pumps and resell them online. In 2015 a woman was arrested by Roanoke Rapids Police on fraud charges; however she had a criminal record dating back to 2010 which investigated her for the theft of ultrasound transducers and an ultrasound machine from two different hospitals. In at least one of the cases she was wearing hospital scrubs and carrying two black bags. She claimed to be there to repair equipment. The value of the transducers was $26,000 each and the value of the portable ultrasound machine stolen from the second facility was $90,000. According to a CBSNewYork report on June 2, 2015, a man put on scrubs and stole a master key and an ID then entered several offices and stole money and an Amazon Kindle e-reader from a St. Frances Hospital. In each of these instances, unauthorized persons used medical scrubs to gain access to equipment and offices that they had no business being able to get to. The point I want to make is, in each instance the perpetrator was wearing scrubs and appeared to belong in the building. In these cases expensive medical equipment was stolen or personal belongings were taken. If these items were stolen, it is easy to see how vulnerable the facilities would be for a medical i-pad theft or a tablet theft to have taken place. In fact, if you noticed, a Kindle e-reader was stolen, and this is no larger than an i-pad or tablet. While the theft of the medical equipment caused significant monetary losses, consider what the cost of a stolen mobile medical device would be. Aside from the cost of the tablet or i-pad, there is the stolen patient information that is more valuable than any of the equipment listed above. Preventing medical i-pad theft and tablet theft from criminals is possible with the use of Alpha Thunder Tags.
Alpha Thunder Tags work with electronic article surveillance systems, activating alarm antennas and sounding an internal built in alarm when they are brought into close proximity to the antenna. The tags are attached directly to the devices so the devices remain portable for medical staff to carry with them during their shifts. Should someone forget they have a device in their possession as they leave, the EAS system and the Thunder Tag will alarm giving the employee a reminder they have to return the device to its designated location. If a criminal attempts to pick up a device and steal it, they would be forced to try to remove the tag. Attempts to remove the tag will result in a tamper alarm sounding and staff would be alerted to the attempt to steal a mobile device.
As I mentioned, the Alpha Thunder works in conjunction with EAS systems such as the Checkpoint Classic N10 antenna. EAS antennas are available in different sizes and styles, but for office areas or buildings where patients may be wheeled around in wheelchairs or gurneys, the Classic N10 antenna is a perfect solution. This particular antenna does not take up much space, but it provides the frequency range necessary to detect if a tagged item were being removed from a building. Because it is a slim design, ample room in doorways remains for medical carts, gurneys, wheelchairs, etc. to be wheeled in without concern of space constriction.
Medical tablet theft and i-pad theft are very real risks for medical facilities, including doctor offices, medical schools, and any location that deals with patient information. Alpha Thunder Tags and Classic N10 antennas are one step you can take towards ensuring the security of mobile technology and patient data.
For more information on Alpha Thunder Tags, contact us or call 1.770.426.0547
In April 2015, Phoenix police arrested a man for stealing more than $150,000 in medical equipment from Valley hospitals according to an azcentral.com article dated April 24, 2015 by Jerod Macdonald-Evoy. The subject would dress in scrubs and pretend to be a doctor then steal IV pumps and resell them online. In 2015 a woman was arrested by Roanoke Rapids Police on fraud charges; however she had a criminal record dating back to 2010 which investigated her for the theft of ultrasound transducers and an ultrasound machine from two different hospitals. In at least one of the cases she was wearing hospital scrubs and carrying two black bags. She claimed to be there to repair equipment. The value of the transducers was $26,000 each and the value of the portable ultrasound machine stolen from the second facility was $90,000. According to a CBSNewYork report on June 2, 2015, a man put on scrubs and stole a master key and an ID then entered several offices and stole money and an Amazon Kindle e-reader from a St. Frances Hospital. In each of these instances, unauthorized persons used medical scrubs to gain access to equipment and offices that they had no business being able to get to. The point I want to make is, in each instance the perpetrator was wearing scrubs and appeared to belong in the building. In these cases expensive medical equipment was stolen or personal belongings were taken. If these items were stolen, it is easy to see how vulnerable the facilities would be for a medical i-pad theft or a tablet theft to have taken place. In fact, if you noticed, a Kindle e-reader was stolen, and this is no larger than an i-pad or tablet. While the theft of the medical equipment caused significant monetary losses, consider what the cost of a stolen mobile medical device would be. Aside from the cost of the tablet or i-pad, there is the stolen patient information that is more valuable than any of the equipment listed above. Preventing medical i-pad theft and tablet theft from criminals is possible with the use of Alpha Thunder Tags.
Alpha Thunder Tags work with electronic article surveillance systems, activating alarm antennas and sounding an internal built in alarm when they are brought into close proximity to the antenna. The tags are attached directly to the devices so the devices remain portable for medical staff to carry with them during their shifts. Should someone forget they have a device in their possession as they leave, the EAS system and the Alpha Thunder Tag will alarm giving the employee a reminder they have to return the device to its designated location. If a criminal attempts to pick up a device and steal it, they would be forced to try to remove the tag. Attempts to remove the tag will result in a tamper alarm sounding and staff would be alerted to the attempt to steal a mobile device.
As I mentioned, the Alpha Thunder works in conjunction with EAS systems such as the Checkpoint Classic N10 antenna. EAS antennas are available in different sizes and styles, but for office areas or buildings where patients may be wheeled around in wheelchairs or gurneys, the Classic N10 antenna is a perfect solution. This particular antenna does not take up much space, but it provides the frequency range necessary to detect if a tagged item were being removed from a building. Because it is a slim design, ample room in doorways remains for medical carts, gurneys, wheelchairs, etc. to be wheeled in without concern of space constriction.
Medical tablet theft and i-pad theft are very real risks for medical facilities, including doctor offices, medical schools, and any location that deals with patient information. Alpha Thunder Tags and Classic N10 antennas are one step you can take towards ensuring the security of mobile technology and patient data.
For more information on Alpha Thunder Tags, contact us or call 1.770.426.0547
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Stolen Patient Information Creates Chaos – Protect Clients With Alpha Thunder Tags
What happens to a patient in the event their medical record information is stolen? Should a patient’s medical information be compromised due to a medical tablet theft or a medical i-pad theft, or through other meanst, here are a number of potential issues that can arise. According to insurancefraud.org, patients whose information is stolen may become victims of scams. The website reports that dishonest doctors and medical personnel file fraudulent claims using stolen patient information. Organized theft rings will open fake clinics after purchasing patient information on the black market and then make bogus claims against health insurance policies. Additionally, using stolen medical information, thieves will receive free treatment from medical providers. Aside from fraud, the website also lists the costs to patients when their information is stolen. The results can be ruined credit; the potential loss of healthcare coverage, medical history can become inaccurate as criminals have posed as the patient. False insurance claims can drive up the premiums of the victim’s insurance policy. Medical record theft has a ripple effect that can go on for a significant length of time. This is why it is so important that steps are taken to minimize the opportunities for medical record information to be stolen. Preventing medical tablet theft and i-pad theft by using Alpha Thunder Tags is one way to start controlling your office devices.
The Alpha Thunder Tag is simply secured to a mobile device with an adhesive backing. It is designed to be tamper proof so it can’t be removed by unauthorized persons without activating an audible alarm built into the tag. The protection afforded by the Alpha Thunder Tag is when it is used in conjunction with an electronic article surveillance system (EAS). The way it works is when someone walks out of a door that is protected with an EAS antenna the antenna emits a loud alarm and built in lights flash. These tags have their own built in alarm that will also activate if the protected device is carried within range of the antenna, giving another layer of protection. With alarms sounding staff and employees are immediately made aware that a device is being removed from the building and they can respond accordingly. The device can be recovered before any damage is done.
Some medical providers may be reluctant to install electronic article surveillance antennas out of concern that they may pose risks to patients with pacemakers. According to the American Heart Association (heart.org) “Interactions with EAS systems are unlikely to cause significant symptoms in most patients.” They do caution patients with heart pacemakers not to stay near an EAS system longer than necessary and not to lean against them. Similar cautions are provided for interactions with metal detectors for these patients so there should be no cause for concern to invest in an EAS system. In fact, it appears from the website there could be more concern with newer cell phones interrupting pacemakers than an EAS antenna. With such a low risk of concern, installing EAS antennas and investing in Alpha Thunder Tags is a smart way to reduce the risk for patient information theft due to i-pad theft or tablet theft.
Protecting patient information is a high priority for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Enormous fines are being levied against medical providers and agencies that have had patient information stolen, either through hacking or from stolen medical devices. It only makes sense that companies take practical steps to protect patients whenever possible. Investing in Alpha Thunder Tags and electronic article surveillance antennas is one sound measure to ensure patient information is not compromised.
For more information on Alpha Thunder Tags, contact us or call 1.770.426.0547
What happens to a patient in the event their medical record information is stolen? Should a patient’s medical information be compromised due to a medical tablet theft or a medical i-pad theft, or through other meanst, here are a number of potential issues that can arise. According to insurancefraud.org, patients whose information is stolen may become victims of scams. The website reports that dishonest doctors and medical personnel file fraudulent claims using stolen patient information. Organized theft rings will open fake clinics after purchasing patient information on the black market and then make bogus claims against health insurance policies. Additionally, using stolen medical information, thieves will receive free treatment from medical providers. Aside from fraud, the website also lists the costs to patients when their information is stolen. The results can be ruined credit; the potential loss of healthcare coverage, medical history can become inaccurate as criminals have posed as the patient. False insurance claims can drive up the premiums of the victim’s insurance policy. Medical record theft has a ripple effect that can go on for a significant length of time. This is why it is so important that steps are taken to minimize the opportunities for medical record information to be stolen. Preventing medical tablet theft and i-pad theft by using Alpha Thunder Tags is one way to start controlling your office devices.
The Alpha Thunder Tag is simply secured to a mobile device with an adhesive backing. It is designed to be tamper proof so it can’t be removed by unauthorized persons without activating an audible alarm built into the tag. The protection afforded by the Alpha Thunder Tag is when it is used in conjunction with an electronic article surveillance system (EAS). The way it works is when someone walks out of a door that is protected with an EAS antenna the antenna emits a loud alarm and built in lights flash. These tags have their own built in alarm that will also activate if the protected device is carried within range of the antenna, giving another layer of protection. With alarms sounding staff and employees are immediately made aware that a device is being removed from the building and they can respond accordingly. The device can be recovered before any damage is done.
Some medical providers may be reluctant to install electronic article surveillance antennas out of concern that they may pose risks to patients with pacemakers. According to the American Heart Association (heart.org) “Interactions with EAS systems are unlikely to cause significant symptoms in most patients.” They do caution patients with heart pacemakers not to stay near an EAS system longer than necessary and not to lean against them. Similar cautions are provided for interactions with metal detectors for these patients so there should be no cause for concern to invest in an EAS system. In fact, it appears from the website there could be more concern with newer cell phones interrupting pacemakers than an EAS antenna. With such a low risk of concern, installing EAS antennas and investing in Alpha Thunder Tags is a smart way to reduce the risk for patient information theft due to i-pad theft or tablet theft.
Protecting patient information is a high priority for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Enormous fines are being levied against medical providers and agencies that have had patient information stolen, either through hacking or from stolen medical devices. It only makes sense that companies take practical steps to protect patients whenever possible. Investing in Alpha Thunder Tags and electronic article surveillance antennas is one sound measure to ensure patient information is not compromised.
For more information on Alpha Thunder Tags, contact us or call 1.770.426.0547
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Alpha Thunder Tags And Classic N10 Antennas Keep Medical Mobile Devices From Walking Out The Door.
As I get older I find I am regularly amazed at the rate technology changes. I remember when (don’t you cringe when you hear “I remember when”?) portable phones were in big carrying bags that you took with you in your car. Pagers came out and it was great to be able to get a page from my loss prevention team telling me they needed me to call the store. Now I experience the friendly banter of co-workers making fun of my flip phone. Two-way wrist communicators were the stuff of imagination when I watched Dick Tracy cartoons as a child. Now there are Fitbits that are worn on the wrist providing health information, activity, nutritional information, weight and even sleep activity. Polaroid cameras were awesome, providing instant pictures with no need to wait to take in film for development. Digital cameras came along and now I can upload pictures straight to my desktop computer! I know what you’re thinking, “how cool is that?” What you’re really saying is, I can take a picture or video on my i-phone or tablet, and upload to the cloud and access it on my laptop from anywhere I happen to be at the time, what is this guy talking about? Yes, I do really use a desktop computer and I do have a flip phone. On the other hand, I also work in an academic library where we do work with students and the newer technologies. The main point I am making is technology is growing at amazing rates and with it the applications for those technologies. This is true for almost every field of endeavor, including the medical field. Today Doctors, nurses, medical students and pharmacists are becoming more reliant on mobile medical devices, including i-pads and tablets. The use of these devices does warrant some cause for concern, such as, what happens if there is an i-pad theft or tablet theft from a medical provider? Can the loss of these devices be prevented? An electronic article surveillance system and the use of Alpha Thunder Tags can protect mobile medical devices and with them the information they carry.
Today doctors can access patient electronic medical records (EMRs), and there are apps that can allow them to view MRIs and CAT scans. The physician can pull up the scans and view them on the device with the patient. Through devices doctors can ask staff to change I.V. settings or change or request record orders. Despite assurances that data is “secure”, there is always the potential for someone to gain access to records should an i-pad theft or tablet theft occur. In prior articles I have listed numerous known breaches of medical information and losses of medical devices. Medical facilities can prevent such theft by installing Checkpoint Classic N10 electronic article surveillance antennas at entrances and exits and having Alpha Thunder Tags attached to mobile medical devices. The Classic N10 antenna does not take up much doorway space so it won’t hinder patients or staff entering or exiting the building. What it will do is activate a loud alarm and flashing LED lights if there is an attempted i-pad theft. The alarm alerts staff that a tablet theft is taking place and they can respond to get the device back. The alarm will only be activated however, if the device has the Alpha Thunder Tag on it. The Thunder Tag is designed to both set off the Classic N10 antenna alarm if it is carried within the range of the antenna and it has a built in alarm that also activates providing a double layer of protection. I should also mention the tamper alarm on the Thunder Tag prevents someone from trying to remove it and then leaving with the mobile device.
Mobile technology in the medical field is a powerful tool and continues to improve the delivery of medical services and streamlines processes. Be aware that there are criminals who engage in tablet theft and i-pad theft in order to steal patient records and prescription information. Protect your patients and your practice with the Classic N10 antenna and Alpha Thunder Tags.
For more information on Alpha Thunder Tags, contact us or call 1.770.426.0547
As I get older I find I am regularly amazed at the rate technology changes. I remember when (don’t you cringe when you hear “I remember when”?) portable phones were in big carrying bags that you took with you in your car. Pagers came out and it was great to be able to get a page from my loss prevention team telling me they needed me to call the store. Now I experience the friendly banter of co-workers making fun of my flip phone. Two-way wrist communicators were the stuff of imagination when I watched Dick Tracy cartoons as a child. Now there are Fitbits that are worn on the wrist providing health information, activity, nutritional information, weight and even sleep activity. Polaroid cameras were awesome, providing instant pictures with no need to wait to take in film for development. Digital cameras came along and now I can upload pictures straight to my desktop computer! I know what you’re thinking, “how cool is that?” What you’re really saying is, I can take a picture or video on my i-phone or tablet, and upload to the cloud and access it on my laptop from anywhere I happen to be at the time, what is this guy talking about? Yes, I do really use a desktop computer and I do have a flip phone. On the other hand, I also work in an academic library where we do work with students and the newer technologies. The main point I am making is technology is growing at amazing rates and with it the applications for those technologies. This is true for almost every field of endeavor, including the medical field. Today Doctors, nurses, medical students and pharmacists are becoming more reliant on mobile medical devices, including i-pads and tablets. The use of these devices does warrant some cause for concern, such as, what happens if there is an i-pad theft or tablet theft from a medical provider? Can the loss of these devices be prevented? An electronic article surveillance system and the use of Alpha Thunder Tags can protect mobile medical devices and with them the information they carry.
Today doctors can access patient electronic medical records (EMRs), and there are apps that can allow them to view MRIs and CAT scans. The physician can pull up the scans and view them on the device with the patient. Through devices doctors can ask staff to change I.V. settings or change or request record orders. Despite assurances that data is “secure”, there is always the potential for someone to gain access to records should an i-pad theft or tablet theft occur. In prior articles I have listed numerous known breaches of medical information and losses of medical devices. Medical facilities can prevent such theft by installing Checkpoint Classic N10 electronic article surveillance antennas at entrances and exits and having Alpha Thunder Tags attached to mobile medical devices. The Classic N10 antenna does not take up much doorway space so it won’t hinder patients or staff entering or exiting the building. What it will do is activate a loud alarm and flashing LED lights if there is an attempted i-pad theft. The alarm alerts staff that a tablet theft is taking place and they can respond to get the device back. The alarm will only be activated however, if the device has the Alpha Thunder Tag on it. The Thunder Tag is designed to both set off the Classic N10 antenna alarm if it is carried within the range of the antenna and it has a built in alarm that also activates providing a double layer of protection. I should also mention the tamper alarm on the Thunder Tag prevents someone from trying to remove it and then leaving with the mobile device.
Mobile technology in the medical field is a powerful tool and continues to improve the delivery of medical services and streamlines processes. Be aware that there are criminals who engage in tablet theft and i-pad theft in order to steal patient records and prescription information. Protect your patients and your practice with the Classic N10 antenna and Alpha Thunder Tags.
For more information on Alpha Thunder Tags, contact us or call 1.770.426.0547
