Institutions considering PACS but not yet ready to jump in with both feet might first look at digitizing emergency radiology services. At the University of Rochester Medical Center in New York, that approach paid clinical and political dividends, paving the way for broader implementation of digital image management.
In a talk given at the URMC-sponsored PACS 2003: Integrating the Healthcare Enterprise meeting in San Antonio in March, URMC PACS medical director Dr. John Wandtke described his institution's two years of experience with filmless emergency radiology at Strong Memorial Hospital's emergency department.
ED physicians reaped several benefits from their new filmless environment, particularly in time savings. The radiologists' stat or preliminary reports are available immediately to ED physicians, who can view the studies on PC-based displays in the ED.
Comparison studies are more readily available too, aiding in the interpretation of complex cases. And the system has improved consultation capabilities among ED physicians, radiologists, and consultant physicians such as trauma surgeons and neurosurgeons.
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