By
Jyoti Tejpal
Next generation cloud based Mobile ready solution Control lab operations Manage with insights & analytics Works on every device No worries for records & accessing patient history Ideal for single and multi-center chain Diagnostic centers
Secure Fast cardiovascular cloud PACS platform Designed for retrieval of patient reports Multi-site access from internet-connected device Streamlined reporting Accessible Advanced image reporting tools Customizable worksheets
Web-based solution Offers image-rich reporting Dictation, lesion management 3D post processing Mammography module Large hospital systems Medical groups Imaging centers Research organization Health info exchange
Picture Archiving and Communications System PACS is used in digital radiography to manage the storage, retrieval, distribution and presentation of DICOM images like X-rays, MRIs, CAT scans. A picture archiving and communication system is used in conjunction with a Radiology Information System RIS to efficiently execute the radiology workflow.
The picture archiving and communications systems market is big and complex. There are software and medical device manufacturing companies developing PACS for medical organizations and specialists. The resultant market is fragmented and potentially confusing for buyers.
A picture is worth a thousand words that is why picture archiving and communications systems PACS may tell you the same story by collecting the Library of Congress to give run for their money. PACS programs has a digital radiography for storing manipulating and distributing images. The universal standard format for the images is DICOM which is Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine. They may be X-Rays, CAT scans, MRIs, or ultrasounds.
A PACS contains of four major components. The image modality like that of MRI or CT, is achieved by the network of images and patient information which are securely transmitted. The individual client workstations are used for storing image and viewing images and a database. Web-enabled or Web-based systems will permit the distribution of image data throughout a equally distributed network of provider organizations.
Picture archiving and communications systems are implemented looking like standalone systems. They can be sold along with an imaging device by sellers like GE or Philips, or may be sold separately by software vendors. PACS will requires integration with electronic medical records (EMR) systems, but these are rarely sold together since buyer needs vary so much and the timeframes for purchasing can be very different. Finally, radiology centers buy PACS integrated having radiology information systems (RIS) to get one integrated package to manage images and corresponding clinical patient data.
Hospitals. These buyers generally have very strong requirements for the efficient retrieval and storage of lots of data and images. They require a flexible system due to the varying nature of care provided, that can be accessible from multiple departments or locations.
Mid-sized and large outpatient practices. The buyers of this category work for private practices with strong enough with imaging requirements to warrant a formal PACS. The practices generally offer multiple physicians on staff specialization with orthopedics, cardiology, neurology, ophthalmology and image-intensive specialties.
Radiology centers. The buyers generally process a big volume of images and need a robust system. They will typically buy a RIS and PACS as an integrated solution, although they may purchase system that is on a standalone basis.
PACS are evolved and designed to give advantage to both clinical and administrative staff as they can help in storing and manipulating images and creating them easily accessible to exact staff members. Due to this, users must try to expect the following advantages while getting a formal PACS:
Efficiency. Organizations must be able to eliminate almost all of the hassle associated with printing of data and images, storing all of them in folders, transporting them and get them retrieved. PACS helps in enabling these processes to get on the way and accomplished more quickly and efficiently. It reduces a lot of bottlenecks experienced at hospitals and many busy imaging centers.
Security. Data encryption techniques can give data security and provide patient privacy in a much better way than physical images and paper charts. Buyers should HIPAA-compliant systems and has a user-level password protection.
ROI. Buyers must be aware of the potential problems, costs and return incurred on investment also. Buyers will require to ensure that the selected PACS vendor provides key data backup and encryption technologies. The important metric for any PACS system is that the costs for storing, reviewing and retrieving images go down. The prices associated with these tasks can be far-reaching, ranging from the staff required for repetitive tasks of putting away and pulling images, the time spent manually reviewing series of images and the direct costs of paper, shelving and other materials required for storing physical images. Buyers should also expect to improve the capability to properly assess images and draw conclusions because of image viewing and getting annotation tools built into most PACS.
Software as a Service (SaaS). SaaS applications have become very integrated in enterprise computing and the healthcare market. SaaS will be a suitable option for many organizations due to the distributed nature of many of the PACS users. They can enable it much easier way for sharing images without complex network infrastructure.
Mobile applications. Through physicians and various healthcare providers, the organization can accomplish more on the go. The utility of mobile devices like iPhones and iPads has grown manifolds. Many sellers react to this trend and help in making systems accessible from handheld devices.
EMR adoption. Government legislation is required eligible providers for implementing although not a substitute for PACS, EMRs could potentially impact PACS purchases. Most organizations will need a picture archiving communications system with an HL7 interface to enable integration, or may even try to utilize a robust EMR to meet their image storage needs as they are not very complex.
