SAINT THOMAS INTRODUCING SMART CARDS

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (Jan. 27, 2005) - Saint Thomas Hospital has announced a new benefit for patients and a first for healthcare in Middle Tennessee - SmartCards.

The new SmartCard is the first phase of a pilot program offered in conjunction with the Saint Thomas "Women of Heart" program, and will consist of a patient's ID photo and a computer chip housing the patient's medical history, personal and insurance information.

SmartCard stations will be located in the admissions area at Saint Thomas Hospital, in the emergency department and in cardiology offices on the Saint Thomas campus.

"SmartCard technology will change the way we do business by providing our patients faster registration and easily accessed medical history.

"One of the most difficult things patients encounter when visiting doctors or hospitals is the very lengthy process of registration. This new technology will decrease the time spent on forms and expedite their entry into various parts of the hospital in minutes," said Chris Young, chief information officer.

Saint Thomas Hospital is a member of Saint Thomas Health Services, a faith-based ministry with 10,000 associates serving Middle Tennessee.

In the 2005 HealthGrades hospital quality ratings, Saint Thomas Hospital is ranked No. 1 in Tennessee for overall cardiac services, heart surgery and cardiac interventions.

Saint Thomas is the only hospital in Tennessee, and one of only 35 in the entire U.S., to be ranked in the top 10 percent nationally for both heart surgery and cardiac interventions.

©The Tullahoma News 2005