In the growing fight to control the healthcare provider desk space, an intriguing entry is being offered through a spin-off of South Carolina Blue Cross.

Companion Technologies’ Companion Direct Point of Care system is in use at more than 100 medical facilities across South Carolina, just months after the launch of the unique system that combines healthcare and financial transactions through a swipe card box.

Office staff members use it by swiping an insurance card containing a magnetic strip or by keying in the patient’s identification number from a traditional insurance card, and entering only a few key data requirements. Large insurers in South Carolina, BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina and BlueChoice HealthPlan, have begun issuing new identity cards that contain a magnetic strip that can be used with Companion Direct Point of Care.

The swipe card box contains software that performs three functions: it will allow doctors’ offices to check a patient’s eligibility for insurance, it will submit claims for real-time adjudication to those insurers that have this capability, and it will perform financial transactions using a credit or debit card, all while the patient is still in the office.

“Doctors’ offices using Companion Direct Point of Care can function more like a retail outlet. The person receiving the service pays for their part before they leave the office. This is particularly important to physicians as insurance coverage moves more and more toward high deductible health plans, ” said Companion Technologies Vice President Deryl Metze.

Sites that have opted to lease the system include practices in Columbia, West Columbia, Lexington, Irmo, Camden, Anderson, Barnwell, Greenwood, Spartanburg, Greenville, Beaufort, Hilton Head, Conway, Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach, Charleston, Mt. Pleasant, Sullivan’s Island, Summerville, Sumter, Mullins, and Florence.

Companion Technologies began marketing Companion Direct Point of Care in South Carolina in September. Marketing will expand to other states later. Doctors’ offices interested in the system can contact Companion Technologies at 800-288-2227 ext. 42216.

Based in Columbia, S.C., Companion Technologies (www.companiontechnologies.com) provides hospitals and physician organizations with financial, clinical, operational and managed care information management services, from practice management systems, electronic medical records and electronic data interchange, to hardware and network services.