Healthcare Working Group
Healthcare
EAN.UCC applications in the healthcare industry are numerous and cover whole value chains from the "final" customers, i.e. the hospitals, independent laboratories, pharmacy/retail outlets, GPs (General Practitioners) and the patient, to suppliers, wholesalers and distributors.

Listed below are some of the value chains where EAN.UCC systems are implemented:
  1. Blood and blood derivatives including plasma
  2. Ophthalmic and eye care products
  3. Medical devices, implantable devices, implants, in-vitro diagnostic products and paramedical supplies
  4. Pharmaceutical products
  5. Medical equipment
  6. Dental products
  7. Gases
  8. Services - laundry, financial, homecare etc.
  9. Payment systems
Benefits of using EAN.UCC System for the Healthcare Sector
The EAN.UCC system allows organizations in healthcare to identify, track and trace all the moveable and fixed components in their logistic, supply and administration processes. Listed below are benefits for both healthcare product and service suppliers.

Benefits for Healthcare Product Suppliers
  • Secure system recognized by all international standards bodies
  • Unambiguous and unique identification of healthcare products
  • Accurate traceability of products
  • Improved order management - predictable demand
  • Improved information management
  • Accurate billing/invoicing
  • Simplification of labeling - one barcode label for all markets
  • Continuity of treatment opportunities
  • Better waste management
  • Stronger relations with customers
Benefits for Healthcare Services Providers
  • Accurate and secure product identification meaning zero errors in identifying the right product
  • Reduction in administrative work meaning more time for patients
  • Quicker reaction leading to more satisfied customers whether these are external or internal
  • Less mistakes meaning lower costs of operations
  • Improved stock management meaning reduced space for storing and increase in operating capital availability
  • Implementing EAN.UCC will lead to a re-think how work is organized
  • More efficient operations through optimized flow of products, information and improved utilization of assets.
Security and Assurance for the Patient
  • Using EAN.UCCC standards, healthcare service providers ensure that patients receive the right product at the right time in the most cost effective manner.
  • EAN.UCC standards allow complete solutions for tracking and tracing patients from admissions, through operations to the patient's bedside.
  • Patients can be assured that the right medical tests are attributed to them and that they have received the right medical treatment and products.
The examples below demonstrate how forward looking hospitals have focused on doing the right things and getting things right in the first place.
  1. Adopting IT in hospital wards in Japan
  2. Applications of EAN-128 for Narcotic Drugs
  3. Applications of Reduced Space Symbology (RSS) for Healthcare in Colombia
  4. Current Status of Applications of Automatic Data Capture in Healthcare industry in Europe (2004)
  5. Current Status of Applications of Automatic Data Capture in Healthcare industry in Singapore (2004)
  6. European, Japan & Brazil Healthcare Initiatives
  7. Hospital Healthcare Chain Management in Brazil
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