Frequently Asked Questions

Get clear, straightforward explanations about VersaBadge, our technology, implementation, pricing, and support.

Technology

VersaBadge is a location-aware RTLS platform that combines Bluetooth receivers, lightweight badges and tags, and real-time software to help hospitals improve safety, compliance, reimbursement, and operational efficiency. Start with one use case and expand as your needs grow — all under a single, scalable platform.

Does VersaBadge integrate with EHR?

It depends on the use case. Many time study applications require no integration or PHI access. Patient care–related workflows can be integrated when needed.

How long does VersaBadge take to implement?

VersaBadge is typically installed and fully operational within one to two weeks. The system runs on lightweight Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) receivers and badges that don't require complex IT infrastructure, EHR integration, or extensive staff training. Our team manages deployment and provides ongoing support through a white-glove SaaS partnership model.

How much does VersaBadge cost?

VersaBadge is priced as a capital, fixed annual fee, so hospitals can budget with confidence and no hidden costs. The exact fee depends on the use case(s) and size of the deployment. Contact our team for a quote specific to your facility.

What infrastructure does VersaBadge require?

VersaBadge runs on a lightweight Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) network. There are no on-site servers, and receivers connect securely through PoE or WIFI.

What kind of support is available for VersaBadge users?

All VersaBadge partnerships include comprehensive onboarding, staff training, and responsive customer support throughout the life of your agreement.

Staff Duress Alerting

When a situation escalates, every second matters. VersaBadge empowers every caregiver with an easy way to call for help, giving your team the real-time visibility needed to respond fast and de-escalate quickly.

Does asset tracking require a separate system from duress alerting?

No. All use cases share the same infrastructure, allowing you to support multiple needs from one platform.

How accurate is the location tracking?

VersaBadge provides room-level or zone-level accuracy depending on infrastructure and configuration. This allows staff to quickly identify the correct unit, hallway, or room where equipment is located.

What types of assets can VersaBadge track?

Common examples include IV pumps, bladder scanners, surgical devices, and other mobile equipment. Many organizations begin with high-demand or frequently misplaced assets.

Automated Time Studies

Automatically capture staff time by role, location, and activity without manual logs or disruption. VersaBadge delivers precise, audit-ready time studies that support reimbursement accuracy, compliance, and operational insight.

Does this require staff training or workflow changes?

No. VersaBadge was intentionally designed to run passively in the background, so your team can focus on patient care instead of the burden of manual time studies.

Has VersaBadge data been audited by Medicare?

Yes. VersaBadge produces defensible, audit-ready data that aligns with reimbursement and reporting needs. Data has been audited by many Medicare Administrative Contractors (MACs) without penalty or repayment.

How does VersaBadge distinguish time on computers or documentation areas?

A proprietary software component differentiates patient care from standby or documentation time in multi-purpose areas.

Bed-Exit & Elopement Monitoring

When vulnerable patients move without supervision, early detection is key. VersaBadge provides real-time, location-aware alerts that enable timely intervention and reduce elopement risk.

Can alerts be customized by unit or patient type?

Yes. Alert zones, sensitivity, and notification rules can be tailored to specific units, patient populations, or risk levels.

Does bed-exit alerting require patients to wear wristbands?

No. The bed-exit alerting technology can identify movement patterns and trigger alerts without patient wearables.

Is this a replacement for bed alarms or sitters?

VersaBadge complements existing safety strategies by providing earlier, more reliable detection that can reduce dependence on traditional alarms or constant observation.

Rounding & Compliance Verification

Automatically verify staff rounding and patient interactions in real time. VersaBadge provides reliable, defensible documentation that helps organizations improve compliance, reduce audit risk, and ensure standards are consistently met across every unit.

Can rounding rules be customized by unit or facility?

Yes. Rounding zones, time thresholds, and reporting can be configured to match each patient's acuity and care needs.

How does VersaBadge verify rounding compliance?

VersaBadge uses real-time location awareness to confirm when staff are near designated patients or locations, creating objective proof of activity.

Is this data usable for audits and compliance reviews?

Absolutely. Reports provide timestamped, location-backed documentation designed to support regulatory requirements and incident reviews.

Asset & Inventory Tracking

Track high-value equipment and inventory in real time across your facility. VersaBadge provides location-aware visibility that reduces search time, prevents loss, and helps teams keep essential assets available and accounted for.

Does asset tracking require a separate system from duress alerting?

No. All use cases share the same infrastructure, allowing you to support multiple needs from one platform.

How accurate is the location tracking?

What types of assets can VersaBadge track?

Common examples include IV pumps, bladder scanners, surgical devices, and other mobile equipment. Many organizations begin with high-demand or frequently misplaced assets.

Hand Hygiene Monitoring

VersaBadge provides clear visibility into hand hygiene activity, helping teams improve consistency, reduce infection risk, and support safer care.

Can this be customized to different care settings?

Yes. Monitoring zones and reporting can be tailored to match unit-specific workflows and protocols.

How does VersaBadge monitor hand hygiene activity?

The system uses location awareness to associate staff presence with defined hand hygiene pumps/stations, creating objective compliance data.

Is this a replacement for traditional hand hygiene audits?

VersaBadge complements existing programs by providing continuous, unbiased data that reduces reliance on manual observation.

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Can a facility start with rounding only and add other use cases later?

Yes. Most facilities start with the most urgent use case, often rounding or staff duress alerting, and expand to others without new hardware or a new vendor relationship.

Can alerts be customized by unit or patient type?

Yes. Alert zones, sensitivity, and notification rules can be tailored to specific units, patient populations, or risk levels.

Can RHTP funds be used to purchase technology like VersaBadge?

RHTP is designed to fund a broad menu of transformation activities including operational modernization and technology adoption. VersaBadge directly supports RHTP's core pillars of provider payment optimization, workforce stabilization, and operational modernization — making it a well-aligned use of RHTP investment. We recommend confirming specific allowable uses with your state RHTP program officer and your hospital's legal or financial advisor.

Can rounding rules be customized by unit or facility?

Yes. Rounding zones, time thresholds, and reporting can be configured to match each patient's acuity and care needs.

Can this be customized to different care settings?

Yes. Monitoring zones and reporting can be tailored to match unit-specific workflows and protocols.

Does asset tracking require a separate system from duress alerting?

No. All use cases share the same infrastructure, allowing you to support multiple needs from one platform.

Does bed-exit alerting require patients to wear wristbands?

No. The bed-exit alerting technology can identify movement patterns and trigger alerts without patient wearables.

Does this require staff training or workflow changes?

No. VersaBadge was intentionally designed to run passively in the background, so your team can focus on patient care instead of the burden of manual time studies.

Does this work in parking garages or outdoor spaces?

Yes. Receiver options allow coverage beyond traditional indoor spaces, including garages and select outdoor areas.

Does VersaBadge integrate with EHR?

It depends on the use case. Many time study applications require no integration or PHI access. Patient care–related workflows can be integrated when needed.

Does VersaBadge integrate with our EHR or existing systems?

No EHR integration is required for VersaBadge's core reimbursement and safety functionality. The system operates independently through its own Bluetooth infrastructure, web dashboard, and mobile app — keeping your IT team's burden minimal. This is by design: VersaBadge was built specifically for rural hospital realities where IT resources are limited.

Does VersaBadge only support time studies, or does it apply more broadly to rural hospitals?

VersaBadge was born from a co-development initiative with Critical Access Hospitals and has since grown into a broader platform, supporting staff duress alerting, proximity rounding, bed-exit and elopement monitoring, and asset tracking on the same badges and receivers already installed for time studies. See the Rural Hospitals & Clinics page for the full picture.

Has VersaBadge data been audited by Medicare?

Has VersaBadge's time study methodology been tested through Medicare audits?

Yes. VersaBadge time study data has been audited by every Medicare Administrative Contractor over the past decade and, to VersaBadge's knowledge, accepted in every instance without changes. VersaBadge also stays involved to support clients through audits when needed.

How accurate is the location tracking?

How can my hospital apply for RHTP funding?

RHTP funding is distributed through your state. Each state submitted a one-time Rural Health Transformation Plan to CMS outlining how funds will be used. Once state plans are approved, eligible hospitals and clinics receive access to those funds through state-defined processes. For the most current timelines and application details, visit the official CMS RHTP page and your state's rural health office.

How does a staff member trigger a duress alert?

Staff can discreetly activate an alert by double-pressing the button on their badge, which sends a notification to nearby or subscribed responders

How does VersaBadge apply to behavioral health specifically?

VersaBadge was built as an all-in-one location and safety platform for rural and Critical Access Hospitals. Expanding into behavioral health followed naturally: the same rounding compliance, staff duress alerting, and elopement monitoring capabilities built for rural facilities directly address needs behavioral health leaders are raising. VersaBadge's presence at the 2025 Joint Commission Behavioral Health Care Conference reflects that focus. See the Resource Library for more on how the platform applies across facility types.

How does VersaBadge distinguish time on computers or documentation areas?

A proprietary software component differentiates patient care from standby or documentation time in multi-purpose areas.

How does VersaBadge increase Medicare reimbursement?

For Critical Access Hospitals, Medicare reimbursement is calculated on a cost-based model. A key component is accurately documenting ER provider standby time (Part A time) in the CMS cost report. Most CAHs use manual methods — paper logs, EHR entries, or periodic audits — which consistently underreport the true amount of standby time. VersaBadge replaces manual methods with automated, real-time location tracking using lightweight Bluetooth badges worn by providers. The system continuously and accurately classifies provider time between direct care and standby, generating complete, audit-ready documentation. This results in higher, more accurate Medicare reimbursement — VersaBadge clients captured an estimated $23M+ in additional reimbursement in 2024 alone.

How does VersaBadge monitor hand hygiene activity?

The system uses location awareness to associate staff presence with defined hand hygiene pumps/stations, creating objective compliance data.

How does VersaBadge verify rounding compliance?

VersaBadge uses real-time location awareness to confirm when staff are near designated patients or locations, creating objective proof of activity.

How do I get started with VersaBadge?

Getting started with VersaBadge begins with a short discovery call to identify the use case(s) that fit your facility's most pressing need. From there, VersaBadge's lightweight Bluetooth infrastructure typically installs in under one week, without requiring major IT lift or EHR integration.

How is VersaBadge different from a traditional RTLS platform?

Traditional RTLS systems track location broadly and were not designed or installed with Medicare time study requirements in mind. VersaBadge's algorithms, desktop software, and workflows were built specifically for Medicare's Part A/Part B distinction and CAH reimbursement rules.

How long does VersaBadge take to implement?

How much does VersaBadge cost?

Is this a replacement for bed alarms or sitters?

VersaBadge complements existing safety strategies by providing earlier, more reliable detection that can reduce dependence on traditional alarms or constant observation.

Is this a replacement for traditional hand hygiene audits?

VersaBadge complements existing programs by providing continuous, unbiased data that reduces reliance on manual observation.

Is this data usable for audits and compliance reviews?

Absolutely. Reports provide timestamped, location-backed documentation designed to support regulatory requirements and incident reviews.

Is VersaBadge secure and compliant?

VersaBadge maintains a SOC 2 Type 2 report, independently verifying the design and operation of its security controls. VersaBadge's infrastructure and data handling practices are built to support the security and privacy expectations of healthcare organizations.

What can VersaBadge do?

VersaBadge supports six core use cases on one platform: staff duress alerting, proximity rounding verification, automated time studies, bed-exit and elopement monitoring, asset and inventory tracking, and hand hygiene monitoring. Facilities can start with a single use case and expand into others without new hardware or a new vendor relationship. Beyond these core capabilities, VersaBadge's location-aware infrastructure is built to support new use cases as they emerge, giving facilities a foundation to innovate on as new safety, compliance, and operational needs arise.

What happens after the RHTP funding period ends?

VersaBadge is sustainable well beyond any grant or program funding cycle. Many clients find that the additional annual reimbursement generated exceeds the cost of the platform, creating a positive ROI that continues year after year.

What infrastructure does VersaBadge require?

VersaBadge runs on a lightweight Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) network. There are no on-site servers, and receivers connect securely through PoE or WIFI.

What is the Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP)?

The Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) is a federal initiative introduced through the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) that provides $50 billion over five years (FY2026–2030) to strengthen healthcare in rural communities. Funding is distributed through state-level Rural Health Transformation Plans submitted to CMS, with $10 billion allocated annually — half shared equally among states, half distributed based on need. The program funds a broad range of transformation activities including workforce recruitment, technology adoption, provider payments, and new models of financial sustainability.

What kind of support is available for VersaBadge users?

All VersaBadge partnerships include comprehensive onboarding, staff training, and responsive customer support throughout the life of your agreement.

What makes VersaBadge different from single-purpose safety or compliance tools?

Most safety and compliance tools are built to solve one problem, which often means a separate vendor, badge, and system for every new need. VersaBadge was built as a single platform, so every use case runs on the same badges and infrastructure. Expanding into a new capability means turning it on, not starting over with a new system.

What types of assets can VersaBadge track?

Common examples include IV pumps, bladder scanners, surgical devices, and other mobile equipment. Many organizations begin with high-demand or frequently misplaced assets.

Which facility types are eligible for RHTP?

RHTP is designed to benefit rural healthcare providers broadly, with particular focus on Critical Access Hospitals (CAHs), Rural Health Clinics (RHCs), Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs), and rural Prospective Payment System (PPS) hospitals. Eligibility and specific funding mechanisms may vary by state plan. Contact your state rural health office or refer to CMS guidance for facility-specific eligibility confirmation.

Who is VersaBadge for?

VersaBadge supports healthcare organizations across four sectors: rural hospitals and Critical Access Hospitals, behavioral health facilities, post-acute care providers, and acute care health systems. Each sector uses the platform differently, from Medicare time study accuracy in rural hospitals to staff duress alerting in behavioral health, but all run on the same underlying technology.

Who receives the alert when it is triggered?

Alerts are routed to designated responders such as security, nearby staff, or administrators based on predefined escalation rules.

Why do behavioral health facilities choose VersaBadge over a single-purpose rounding tool?

VersaBadge covers rounding compliance plus staff duress alerting, elopement monitoring, and asset tracking on one platform, closing multiple safety gaps without multiple vendors.

Why do Critical Access Hospitals choose VersaBadge over traditional RTLS for time studies?

VersaBadge was purpose-built exclusively for CAH Medicare time studies and refined over a decade across more than 300 current CAH clients, giving hospitals a defensible way to classify Part A and Part B time that general-purpose RTLS systems weren't designed to provide.

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