1. Conduct a self-analysis.
Can you support FFDM? What's your annual patient throughput? What kind of insurance do your patients carry? This will help you determine whether and how to implement digital mammography.
2. Pick the technology that's right for you.
DR or CR? Are you projecting or currently in need of increased productivity? One DR system can handle the load of up to 2.5 analog units. Are you looking to convert to digital, maintain viable analog mammography units, and support current and projected patient volume? CR could be your answer.
3. Get IT involved prior to implementation.
All those digital images have to be available in a timely manner for interpretation, and must ultimately be stored, both short- and long-term. Can your existing PACS handle the new imaging modality? If you don't have a PACS or your PACS is not up to the task, you won't be getting the full benefits of converting to digital.
4. Do your research and plan site visits.
Talk to peers who have already made a successful transition about their decision-making process, their roles in the digital transition, and why they chose their particular technology approach. Then do some site visits, as this will allow you to see the process in action.
5. Look at digital workflow patterns.
Digital mammography requires changes in facility workflow to maximize productivity. Make sure to address reconfiguring workflow and training staff to optimize the department.
6. Develop a marketing program.
Clinical studies are highlighting the benefits of FFDM in screening certain patient populations. Make sure you're ready to get the word out about your new service.
-- Bonnie Rush, Breast Imaging Specialists, San Diego
Can you support FFDM? What's your annual patient throughput? What kind of insurance do your patients carry? This will help you determine whether and how to implement digital mammography.
2. Pick the technology that's right for you.
DR or CR? Are you projecting or currently in need of increased productivity? One DR system can handle the load of up to 2.5 analog units. Are you looking to convert to digital, maintain viable analog mammography units, and support current and projected patient volume? CR could be your answer.
3. Get IT involved prior to implementation.
All those digital images have to be available in a timely manner for interpretation, and must ultimately be stored, both short- and long-term. Can your existing PACS handle the new imaging modality? If you don't have a PACS or your PACS is not up to the task, you won't be getting the full benefits of converting to digital.
4. Do your research and plan site visits.
Talk to peers who have already made a successful transition about their decision-making process, their roles in the digital transition, and why they chose their particular technology approach. Then do some site visits, as this will allow you to see the process in action.
5. Look at digital workflow patterns.
Digital mammography requires changes in facility workflow to maximize productivity. Make sure to address reconfiguring workflow and training staff to optimize the department.
6. Develop a marketing program.
Clinical studies are highlighting the benefits of FFDM in screening certain patient populations. Make sure you're ready to get the word out about your new service.
-- Bonnie Rush, Breast Imaging Specialists, San Diego
