Merge Healthcare

(Booth 4058) Merge Healthcare of Milwaukee will spotlight a range of PACS and RIS/PACS technology in its exhibit booth at the 2008 RSNA conference.

The company will highlight its eFilm RIS/PACS offering, targeted at single-site facilities that perform a small to moderate number of imaging studies. Released in March, eFilm RIS/PACS includes advanced visualization tools and workflow features such as scheduling, modality worklist support, document management, and a referring physician portal. Users of eFilm Workstation 2.1 can utilize that software to tie into eFilm RIS/PACS, according to the vendor.

Another introduction, Fusion PACS MX 3.0, adds an integrated digital mammography capability that can be launched right at the PACS workstation. It also is 64-bit compatible, allowing customers to more easily load large breast studies and prior exams, according to the firm. The new release also benefits from extended keyboard shortcuts, Merge said.

Merge also will be describing version 4.2 of its Fusion RIS/PACS MX line. The upcoming release will include Merge's Fusion Billing application, which confers additional revenue-cycle management capabilities. Another new feature, Fusion Web, adds enhanced referring practice and patient portals, Merge said. Fusion RIS/PACS MX 4.2 will be released in the fourth quarter of 2008.

International imaging practices would be interested in Fusion RIS/PACS GL, designed to meet the specific requirements of countries in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. Features include embedded dictation and document management, Web-enabled distribution of clinical and business information, and billing and practice analysis workflow.

Developments from Merge's OEM division will be shown at the meeting, including version 4.3 of its Cedara I-Reach Web-based PACS offering. I-Reach provides features such as configurable workflow for viewing, storage, and distribution of images and results, as well as integration with any PACS archive and HIS/RIS, Merge said.

Merge also will discuss works-in-progress functionality for I-Reach, including its C4 integration for launching a variety of clinical applications for oncology and orthopedics. Mammography workflow and tools also will be displayed as works-in-progress.

Cedara ProPlanner for orthopedics provides digital templating and measurements for orthopedic surgeons, while Cedara I-Response is designed to support clinical trials workflow and oncology viewing, Merge said.

Merge will also unveil Cedara WebAccess, a thin-client application designed to provide referring physicians with access to images and reports wherever they're located. Cedara WebAccess does not require a download or installation, as it works within the Internet Explorer, Firefox, or Safari Web browsers. It can be integrated with any PACS archive, and embedded into an electronic medical record, Merge said.