GALLIPOLIS — If you have visited one of Holzer Health System’s locations recently, you may have been asked to add your fingerprint to your medical record upon registering for services. This technology has been made possible through an innovative partnership with Holzer Health System and CrossChx, a branch of Omni Science Technology Partners, located in Gallipolis. The new Biometric Enrollment and Verification Prescription System project utilizes cutting edge technologies to track health information and is focused on the goal of patient safety and prevention of narcotic painkiller abuse and diversion.

“The patients served by Holzer Health System deserve the best we can offer in safety measures,” said Holzer Board Chairman Brent Saunders. “We believe this service adds a level of security vital to combating addiction and overdose.”

The project has developed a system to allow providers to use biometric authentication to compare health records from multiple sources to confirm eligibility of a patient to receive a prescription for medication. With fingerprint and photo identification, real-time patient information is able to be obtained.

Cross Chx was first introduced to Holzer’s registration system in late July 2012 at the Urgent Care located in Gallipolis, Ohio. Since then, the software has been deployed in more than 100 registration locations throughout Holzer Health System. In a very short amount of time, over 20,000 patients have enrolled in Cross Chx throughout Holzer. In addition, over 7,000 patients have had their identity positively verified using Cross Chx, with an accuracy rate of 99.99 percent.

As Holzer’s patient participation level increases, Cross Chx will be able to provide additional benefits. The system is not mandatory for patients; however, according to Holzer, the advantages to participating are worth investing the short time needed during the registration process to add a fingerprint identity to your record. Advantages include medical identity security, easy and efficient registration and nationwide access to medical records.

The program continues to receive significant support from Ohio Gov. John Kasich and the Ohio General Assembly. It is anticipated that with the support of Ohio government, the program will be rolled out regionally, and potentially statewide and nationwide, over time.

For more information, please call 1-855-4-HOLZER or visit www.holzer.org, www.holzerclinic.com, or www.crosschx.com.