What’s inside:
A breakdown of the top barcode scanning problems in hospitals, why barcodes fail in the OR, and how AI computer vision solves missing documentation, UDI gaps, and lost revenue.
Today, hospitals capture only 48% of implants and consumables used in procedures.
The main reason for this staggering loss?
Barcode scanning problems in hospitals.
Barcode-based workflows simply cannot keep up with the speed, complexity, and variability of modern operating rooms. The result is:
- Lost revenue and missed reimbursements
- Supply chain blind spots
- Incomplete UDI data
- Inefficient OR workflows
- More manual work
- Higher clinical burden
Let’s dive into the biggest barcode scanning problems in hospitals and how AI computer vision finally solves them.
What are the most common barcode scanning problems in hospitals?
1. Barcode Scanning Problems Lead to Lost Revenue
Every unscanned item = lost revenue.
Hospitals often assume barcodes reduce errors, but this only works if:
- Every package has a readable barcode
- Staff have time to scan
- The right barcode is selected
- The scan actually reads
In real OR environments, these conditions rarely exist.
AI computer vision, like IDENTI’s patent-protected Snap&Go, captures complete product data instantly, ensuring that every implant and consumable is documented automatically, with no additional work required from staff, and ensuring complete capture every time.
2. Too Many Barcodes, Not Enough Time
Most device packages contain:
- Manufacturer barcodes
- Distributor barcodes
- Internal hospital labels
This creates a well-known barcode scanning problem in hospitals, where nurses have to guess which barcode to scan during fast-moving surgical workflows.
This guessing game leads to:
- Wrong scans
- Slow workflows
- Documentation gaps
- Incomplete reporting
Snap&Go eliminates this using a single photo that identifies the exact product and all required data.
3. Barcodes Don’t Capture Full UDI Data
Most barcodes only include a catalog number, not the lot, serial, or expiration date required for FDA UDI compliance.
This creates serious compliance issues, making it one of the most underestimated barcode scanning problems in hospitals.
AI image recognition automatically extracts all the following from the package:
- UDI-DI
- UDI-PI
- Lot & serial numbers
- Expiration dates
No typing. No manual validation. No incomplete UDIs.
4. Barcode Standardization Problems Add Internal Work
Another major barcode scanning problem in hospitals:
There is no universal standard across manufacturers.
This means hospitals must constantly:
- Create internal labels
- Maintain custom scanning rules
- Map “old vs. new” barcode versions
- Update systems when packaging changes
Snap&Go eliminates this overhead by identifying the product visually, even if the barcode changes or disappears.
5. Not All Items Can Be Tagged
Not every surgical item has a barcode:
- Small consumables
- Repackaged products
- Custom trays
- Vendor-provided kits
- Sterile peel packs
These undocumented items represent a huge portion of barcode scanning problems in hospitals because they remain invisible to traditional tracking systems.
Image recognition makes every item visible, whether barcoded or not.
6. Barcodes Keep Changing
Suppliers change packaging format, barcode structure, label type, and UDI formatting frequently.
This leads to:
- Scanning failures
- Documentation errors
- Missed charges
- Internal remapping work
AI image recognition is immune to barcode variations, and it identifies products by their print, brand, and visual characteristics.
Why Hospitals Are Replacing Barcodes With AI Image Recognition
Hospitals need tools built for point-of-use accuracy, not warehouse logistics.
That’s why more ORs are moving away from barcode dependency and adopting solutions like Snap&Go.
AI image recognition delivers:
- 100% item visibility
- Real-time, automatic documentation
- Full UDI compliance
- Improved charge capture
- Reduced clinician workload
- Accurate supply chain data
It’s Time to Eliminate Barcode Scanning Problems in Hospitals Completely
Barcodes were never designed for the operating room, and now hospitals are paying the price in missing revenue, manual work, and compliance gaps.
Snap&Go fixes every barcode scanning problem in hospitals by eliminating scanning entirely.
With Snap&Go:
- Every item is captured
- Every charge is documented
- Every UDI is complete
- Every workflow becomes faster
- No barcodes needed
To schedule a demo, contact us today.
