Mobile app balances dictation control, security requirements

Doctors using Blackberry or Windows Mobile smartphones may want to check out the newly released 3M Mobile Dictation Software. The application offers physicians the ability to use a single device for phone, e-mail, and dictation, delivering access via Wi-Fi or 3G wireless service. Rolled out by 3M Health Information Systems, the software includes security features that fulfill HIPAA and hospital-specific guidelines for encryption and authentication.

A module of the 3M Mobile Documentation System, 3M Mobile Dictation provides always-on connectivity--so, there's no need to synchronize smartphones to a dictation system. Physicians can view patient lists, search patient IDs, and display the most current patient information on the smartphone screen.

Using BlackBerry or Windows Mobile smartphone data services, the application captures and securely transmits digital dictation files to be transcribed and routed to the hospital information system, EMR or practice management system.

The software integrates with major hospital dictation and transcription solutions, as well as speech recognition applications. It can also be integrated with the company's document management and coding and reimbursement systems, to streamline workflow across departments.