PACS - It's Not Just For Radiology
On the technical level, PACS is about radiology networking and integration. At Jackson General, they linked more than 40 imaging systems (see equipment list) with PACS and RIS equipment in the hospital, imaging center, and in physician offices.
But the real purpose is to improve the productivity of the entire organization, within and beyond its walls. "Our orientation is enterprise-wide, not department-specific," says CIO Jeff Frieling. "We want to develop new processes, not just automate old ones. Our goal is to make information more readily available to the medical staff and users throughout the community."
Jim Dockins, Vice President of Hospital Services, offers a scenario to illustrate the power of PACS to improve information management. A physician-hospitalist for a large group practice needs to discuss a case with a specialist located across town.
Says Dockins: "Before PACS, the hospitalist would have to describe over the phone what he saw on the images, suggest a course of action, and somehow get the images to the doctor. With PACS, the hospitalist and the specialist can discuss the case in real-time as both look at the same images on the respective monitors in their respective locations. This enhances physician productivity and coordination of patient care."
"With PACS, the hospitalist and the specialist can discuss the case in real-time..."
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