The cost justification and financing of these applicationsare addressed through Business Solutions and Financial services. Business solutions stratergy is mapped out for the customer and financing options are provided inimplementation and payback scheme.
Have you got a good response to this after RSNA?
Yes. We have already selected a few sites that are readyfor 'Destination Digital' from our perspective.
How does 'Destination Digital' relate to the current healthcare scenario in USA?
In the US healthcae environment, the trend isconsolidation, where they form regional healthcare systems.The metropolitan cities may have three or four large hospitalsystems instead of several independent ones. Our customrs are trying to integrate these hospitals from the informationperspective, thus providign sub-speciality coverage, whilereducing costs by avoiding duplication.
The transformation from"pay-by-the-procedure"to"cost-efficiency" and excellent service to referralphysicians" has reduced the turnaround time. The electroniclink to the referral physicians provides them text based results as well as images, very quickly. This enables betterpatient care at lower costs.
Do you think this would work in India?
Definitely, in India, cost-effectiveness is most importantThe cost justification of the investments would be crucial.Also, scaleable solutions are essential, to provide rightsolutions for each market.
What are the pains and challenges in implementing PACS?
PACS in an information system which has to be staffed,supported and maintained. A lot of hospital do not anticipate the need for change while implementing PACS.They try to force-fit the new system. The second challenge isan underestimation of the need for a support system.
In the journey to "Destination Digital", does GE offer any special training or support?
Yes, we provide several support elements to customers:Business solutions, which analyse th cusotmer process andmap out, along with the PACS team, an implementation planfor a detailed product line. Our dedicated application address system training, not jut on usuage but also thefuture work-flow within the department. The end user training includes a disciplined product managementapproach and an understanding of the system's impact on the technician, radiologist and referral physicians.
How does IIS approach the subject of obsolescence?
We have software maintenance agreements, and we willintroduce a hardware obsolescence protection programmetoo. We want to structure a five- or seven-year plan, whichtakes into account the software, hardware and service aspects. The South Asian market, in its infancy, is more cost-sensitive than the North American and European markets. South Asian would bring huge busines opportunitiesin the next decase, as hospitals consolidate and informationtechnology costs come down. We are very will positioned tolead in this important market, given our supportinfrastructure at Wipro GE.
What is the status of DICOM?
DICOM is an excellent standard used by vendorsfor connectivity between imaging devices such as CT,MR, Ultrasound etc. and PACS systems, workstationsand printers. I would like to emphasise that GE proides complete DICOM compliance.
