The world of health imaging is undergoing a transformation due to the increase in power and reach of the Internet – from radiology specialists to patients. Health care organizations can more effectively distribute digital images to radiologists using a web-based PACS. Patients’ referring physicians can also benefit from this. Web-based access is more convenient for physicians than film-based access, which is time-consuming and cumbersome.
RIS PACS re-engineers healthcare workflows while redefining health care. Check out Inland Imaging as an example. The Spokane-based medical imaging provider serves 14 hospitals in northern Idaho and Washington. In total, 350 employees work at the center, including 55 radiologists and five vascular surgeons.
By using Philips Medical Systems’ I Site Enterprise PACS (formerly Stentor I Site PACS), radiologists, surgeons, and other physicians are able to access and share digital images at home and in their offices. Hospitals can virtually communicate using PACS.
Utilizing tools available on the web
As well as Capital Health System, Capital Health System chose an online PACS. The Trenton, New Jersey, acute-care teaching hospital uses Dynamic Imaging’s integrated Web PACS, which provides comprehensive capabilities and authorized access from anywhere.
Why did you choose a web based PACS? Chairman of Capital’s radiology department, Dr. Yaakov Applbaum, says “The film industry is losing its way.”
A favorite trauma surgeon story involves patients who undergo CT imaging after hip films are taken in the trauma bay.
Purchasing PACS enabled us to compete with other area hospitals by offering ease of access to referring physicians. As our system provides the same functionality in and out of hospitals, we chose to implement a web-based system.”
Radiologists at the hospital can access all PACS functions remotely, according to Applbaum. Both in and out of the hospital, physicians ought to be able to use the same system without noticing any differences. Although, another crucial factor for us was that it be simple to use. It had to be downloadable without a CD. Using their username and password, physicians log in to a website to access patient information.
Moreover, as part of its transition to a web-based environment, Mercy Medical Center in Baltimore, Maryland, replaced their existing PACS with Amicas’ Vision Series web-based platform. According to Jim Stalder, Mercy’s Chief Information Officer, PACS was viewed previously as a tool suited to radiologists and their departments.
While that remains the case, patients who are referred for [medical imaging] exams should have more access to this information, as well. According to their specialty, referring physicians may also request films in many cases. In addition to the burden the doctor must bear, patients also have the burden of managing and carrying film.”
A higher standard of care
Each PACS improves hospital workflows in addition to enhancing them, says Applbaum. The service is available to physicians outside of hospitals that want to monitor both outpatients and inpatients.
According to Applelbaum, “when comparing patient care quality in a web-based PACS, it is impossible.”. This system allows orthopedists and pediatricians to view images of their patients. When a chest x-ray identifies pneumonia or fractures in children, the physician can treat them more efficiently and effectively. Clearly, this has an impact on patient care. It would be impossible to improve patient care one-way.
The benefits of using PACS in the cloud
Instead of a traditional PACS, a cloud PACS system uses a cloud RIS. With this Cloud PACS system, data can be managed remotely. Cloud-based solutions can facilitate distribution of DDICOM images easily.
A more effective method of providing care
PACS streamlines hospital workflow, according to Applbaum. Web-based medical software allows physicians to track their patients both while they are in the hospital and during their outpatient visits.
Additionaly, a child’s doctor or an orthopedist can study the images using this system. According to Applbaum, Internet-based PACS do not allow for comparisons. In the treatment of pneumonia and fractures, chest X-rays are more efficient than other types of imaging. Clearly, this impacts patient care. The only way to improve patient care is to use chest X-rays.
COMPARISON OF DICOM AND PACS
The closeness of their relationship makes them mix up more often. Meanwhile, DICOM converts every dental record into an electronic format. A medical image management system can take medical images, store them, and review them.
DICOM format allows access, exchange, and storage of medical records, regardless of whether they are in an EHR, a PACS, or a RIS. The transfer of data between medical devices is made easier if the software supports DICOM. Connecting a wide range of displays is possible through the cloud-based PACS platform. HTML5-compatible devices are able to view DICOM images online.
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