MBS to Issue First Set of Smart Cards

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latest tech

Thursday, 29 August 2013 03:30

press release

Antigua St. john's - The Medical Benefit Scheme (MBS) is now closer to introducing to the public its new member’s registration state of the art Smart Card, which also includes photo identification.

As of today, Monday, 26th August 2013, MBS is inviting members of the public to set-up an appointment visit to the MBS Registration Centre to acquire the new Smart Card. These appointments can be arranged via the internet by accessing the MBS website at www.mbs.gov.ag and following the prompts. 

Appointments can also be made by calling telephone number 481-6393 or by completing an appointment form, available at all MBS service points including MBS pharmacies. This is the testing phase of the system and the public has between Monday 26th and Friday 30th August 2013 to set up a Smart Card registration appointment.

People who are successful in obtaining an appointment this week will have their appointments request honoured 9th to 13th September 2013 on the ground floor of the MBS Healthcare and Conference Building, Nevis Street. Upon completion of the registration appointment the Customer Service Agent will indicate the date to collect the new Smart Card. Following these dates, MBS will announce the date for the commencement of the full official launch of the appointment and registration comprehensive service solution that includes enrolment, personalization and issuance

Ultimately the microchip embedded in the smart card will facilitate an electronic health card software applications program that enables doctors to securely store electronic prescriptions and lab requests on the card. Pharmacists can then access the card to record prescriptions dispensed. 

Laboratory staff will also use the card to record all tests and procedures performed along with the associated costs. 

The card also stores a personal health record including the last 10 prescriptions, the last 25 doctor visits, and the chronic diseases with which the patient has been diagnosed. That information will be secured since it will be encrypted, and protected by two keys, one held by the healthcare professional and one held by the patient. Both keys will be required to display the information.

These features of the card will be activated when all MBS members have been registered.

In the interim, the card will serve as identification to access, MBS pharmaceutical services, and make claims at MBS. Additionally, the card will be required by MBS beneficiaries accessing benefits at the Mount St. John’s Medical Centre.

Smartcards will be issued to only persons already registered with MBS and were issued an MBS card and those persons who have become eligible after paying 26 weeks of contributions. Persons having less than the required contributions will simply be enrolled without the issuance of the smartcard. Research will be conducted to determine the eligibility of each person applying for the new card.

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