Siemens Medical Systems has incorporated new DICOM features as part of a 5.0 software upgrade for its Sonoline Elegra ultrasound scanner. The new capabilities are designed to allow for the seamless integration of text and image data into existing hospital information systems and PACS networks, according to Siemens, which maintains its ultrasound operations in Issaquah, WA.
In facilities with appropriately equipped hospital or radiology information systems, Elegra can now access a worklist of scheduled patients/procedures. Pertinent information can then be directly downloaded to Elegra, according to the company.
The ultrasound system also can send information back to the HIS/RIS, including what scheduled procedures have been completed (or discontinued) and whether any new, unscheduled procedures have been performed. HIS uses the procedure status data supplied by Elegra to simplify patient tracking and billing.
In patient data tracking applications, the 5.0 software version offers a flexible interface that allows the user to query a hospital's database by a single data field or by a combination of data fields. When all images for a study have been completed, Elegra will notify the image server. The scanner will then request a confirmation from the storage provider to make sure all images have been safely stored.
The expanded DICOM features of Elegra are in compliance with the technical framework of the Integrating the Healthcare Enterprise initiative jointly sponsored by the RSNA and the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society, according to Siemens.
By AuntMinnie.com staff writersMay 2, 2000
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