< + > Why Healthcare Leaders are Turning to QR Solutions

The following is a guest article by Sharat Potharaju, Co-Founder and CEO at Uniqode

Healthcare organizations face two pressing challenges. The first is security: Ransomware attacks hit 67% of healthcare organizations in 2023, with the average payment reaching $4.4 million. The second is efficiency: physicians spend 4.5 hours daily navigating electronic records and multiple login systems instead of focusing on patient care. Healthcare organizations need solutions that address both challenges.

QR code technology fills this gap by creating secure efficient pathways for managing healthcare data. Rather than implementing another layer of conventional security measures, these dynamic codes streamline operations while protecting sensitive information. The technology appeals to providers and patients — 80% of physicians already use smartphones and medical apps, while 3 in 4 patients say mobile solutions improve their healthcare experience. This alignment of provider readiness and patient preference creates an ideal environment for healthcare organizations to implement QR solutions.

Building Business Value Through Secure Technology

Hospitals make attractive targets for cybercriminals because they can’t afford system downtime that puts patient care at risk. That explains why over half (53%) of healthcare organizations paid ransoms in 2024, up from 42% in 2023. With the average data breach costing $9.77 million, healthcare leaders must carefully balance security investments against other operational needs — from updating aging infrastructure to implementing new patient care technologies.

The pressure to digitize while maintaining security has led many healthcare organizations to layer on complex authentication systems and access protocols. While these measures address security concerns, they often create new friction points. These layers further delay physicians, forcing them to spend valuable patient care time managing multiple logins and authentication steps — a key driver of workflow disruption and staff burnout.

QR technology offers a path forward, but adoption requires careful consideration. Healthcare organizations must evaluate factors like integration with legacy systems, staff training requirements, and initial implementation costs. However, those who successfully deploy these solutions see measurable gains in security and efficiency. QR codes can transform traditionally vulnerable touchpoints, such as medication tracking and streamlined patient identification, into secure digital workflows.

The benefits extend beyond security. In an industry facing a projected shortage of 86,000 physicians by 2036, any technology that reduces administrative burden becomes strategic. Healthcare systems implementing secure, user-friendly solutions report improvements in staff satisfaction, patient experience, and operational efficiency. Simple applications like digital patient check-in, automated form completion, and easy access to post-visit instructions demonstrate immediate value while building confidence for broader implementation.

Measuring Business Success

Healthcare organizations don’t need complex rollouts to demonstrate the value of QR technology. A focused pilot program that targets specific pain points — like admission processes or equipment management — can quickly show measurable improvements. Starting small allows organizations to fine-tune their approach while building staff confidence and documenting clear wins.

Success metrics should align with organizational priorities. Security teams can track reductions in login-related incidents and unauthorized access attempts. Operations can measure time saved in patient registration and equipment tracking. Clinical teams can document improved medication verification rates and reduced documentation errors. Most importantly, organizations can demonstrate enhanced HIPAA compliance through detailed access logs and stronger authentication protocols.

For board-level reporting, organizations should focus on metrics that directly impact the bottom line: reduced administrative costs, improved staff efficiency, enhanced patient satisfaction scores, and stronger security measures that help avoid costly breaches. These data points build a compelling case for broader implementation while justifying the initial investment.

Evaluating Your Next Steps

Before implementing QR solutions, healthcare leaders should assess their organization’s specific needs and capabilities. Key questions include:

• How will the solution integrate with existing electronic health records?
• What security protocols are in place to protect PHI?
• How will staff access be managed and monitored?
• Does the platform offer detailed analytics for compliance reporting?

Organizations should also evaluate vendor experience in healthcare specifically, including their track record with HIPAA compliance, ability to customize solutions for different departments, and capacity to scale as needs evolve.

Healthcare leaders no longer need to choose between security and efficiency. QR technology addresses both priorities, allowing organizations to protect data while creating smoother workflows for staff and patients alike. Modern solutions make the security versus efficiency trade-off obsolete.

About Sharat Potharaju

Sharat Potharaju is the Co-Founder and CEO at Uniqode, responsible for crafting the overall strategy and execution. Sharat is dedicated to achieving Uniqode’s vision to enable digital connection with every physical object and place on the planet. Prior to his entrepreneurial career, Sharat spent a few years working in investment banking at Merrill Lynch in New York. Sharat holds a master’s degree in engineering management from Duke University and a bachelor’s degree in engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras.