Amazon’s Palm-Scanning Technology: The Future of Fast & Secure Healthcare Check-Ins
Amazon is bringing its palm-scanning technology to healthcare. NYU Langone Health is now using Amazon One for faster, contactless patient check-ins. Learn how this futuristic technology is improving security, reducing wait times, and shaping the future of healthcare.
AI TECHNOLOGIES
Imagine Walking into a Hospital and Checking in with Just a Wave of Your Hand
No IDs. No long verification processes. Just one simple hand gesture, and you’re checked in. This once futuristic idea is now becoming a reality.
NYU Langone Health has partnered with Amazon One, Amazon’s palm-scanning technology, to bring fast, secure, and contactless check-ins to hospitals. This marks the first time Amazon’s biometric technology is being used in the healthcare sector, and it could transform the way patients interact with medical facilities.
What is Amazon One?
Amazon One is biometric authentication at its best. Instead of relying on fingerprints or facial scans, it maps the unique vein patterns in your palm.
No physical contact needed – Simply hover your hand over the scanner.
Fast verification – It takes less than a second to recognize a user.
High security – Palm vein patterns are unique and nearly impossible to replicate.
How is It Being Used in Healthcare?
Starting this month, patients at select NYU Langone Health locations can enroll in Amazon One. Once registered, they can check in by simply hovering their hand over a scanner, avoiding long wait times and reducing paperwork.
Why This Technology is a Game-Changer
Faster Check-Ins – Patients can verify their identity in seconds.
Better Security – Unlike ID cards or passwords, palm patterns cannot be lost or stolen.
Hygienic – Contactless authentication minimizes the spread of germs.
Less Administrative Burden – Staff can focus more on patient care rather than paperwork.
Privacy and Security Concerns
A key question surrounding biometric technology is data privacy. Is Amazon storing personal data?
Amazon ensures that palm scans are encrypted and securely stored in the cloud. The system does not access medical records—it is used solely for identity verification. Patients can also opt out at any time and request their biometric data to be deleted.
The Bigger Picture: Where Else is Amazon One Being Used?
Amazon One is already in use beyond healthcare, including:
Whole Foods stores for cashier-less checkouts
Concert venues and stadiums for ticket verification
Airports for faster security clearance
This technology is quickly expanding, making palm recognition a potential everyday tool for seamless transactions and access control.
Final Thoughts: Are We Ready for a Future Without IDs?
With palm-scanning, healthcare check-ins could become as simple as unlocking a phone. While privacy concerns remain, the combination of speed, security, and convenience makes it a compelling advancement.