Business : Top Story
WMMC installs new X-Ray management system
Nov 18, 2008, 3:56 PM
WARRENSBURG, Mo. -- In a major move toward innovation and efficiency, Western Missouri Medical Center’s (WMMC) Radiology Department has installed new equipment that eliminates the need for X-ray film, a growing trend in medical facilities across the nation.
Known as PACS (Picture Archiving & Communications System), the new system processes images from all modalities (CT, diagnostic, MRI, nuclear medicine, ultrasound) digitally so they can be viewed on the radiologists’ computer screens using high-resolution monitoring software.
The equipment allows the radiologist to download the patient’s X-rays and choose key images to transmit to the patient’s doctor. Those key images are set in a montage, along with a voice clip, which is an audio conclusion of the radiologist’s exam. Next, the images are saved, archived, and can be called up by physicians from any location via the Internet. PACS is a new technology that hospitals are using to improve the management of patient information, and to provide greater clinical quality.
“This is a great system for our patients and staff,” says John Waddell, M.D., Chief of Radiology. “Through PACS, we are able to efficiently transmit X-rays and reports directly to doctors’ offices via digital images. If a patient needs to go to a facility out of town, their images can be e-mailed or burned on a CD and delivered to the referred physician.”
“With the implementation of PACS, WMMC has joined the top 13% of hospitals in the country with our progress of adopting the electronic medical record,” says Carol R. McKinney, Director of Information Services/Chief Information Officer.
“WMMC is consistently expanding our services to provide optimal access and quality care that best suits the ever-changing needs of our community,” says Craig J. Marks, president and CEO. “The implementation of PACS/CR has enabled us to streamline the process from the moment our patient enters our Radiology Department to when they receive the results. Instant digital images, faster reports, and reduced waiting time for results—PACS/CR is truly benefiting our patients.”
The hospital’s PACS is manufactured by San Diego-based DR Systems, Inc., the nation’s largest independent provider of filmless, computerized medical image and information management systems for hospitals, imaging centers and integrated health care systems.
Known as PACS (Picture Archiving & Communications System), the new system processes images from all modalities (CT, diagnostic, MRI, nuclear medicine, ultrasound) digitally so they can be viewed on the radiologists’ computer screens using high-resolution monitoring software.
The equipment allows the radiologist to download the patient’s X-rays and choose key images to transmit to the patient’s doctor. Those key images are set in a montage, along with a voice clip, which is an audio conclusion of the radiologist’s exam. Next, the images are saved, archived, and can be called up by physicians from any location via the Internet. PACS is a new technology that hospitals are using to improve the management of patient information, and to provide greater clinical quality.
“This is a great system for our patients and staff,” says John Waddell, M.D., Chief of Radiology. “Through PACS, we are able to efficiently transmit X-rays and reports directly to doctors’ offices via digital images. If a patient needs to go to a facility out of town, their images can be e-mailed or burned on a CD and delivered to the referred physician.”
“With the implementation of PACS, WMMC has joined the top 13% of hospitals in the country with our progress of adopting the electronic medical record,” says Carol R. McKinney, Director of Information Services/Chief Information Officer.
“WMMC is consistently expanding our services to provide optimal access and quality care that best suits the ever-changing needs of our community,” says Craig J. Marks, president and CEO. “The implementation of PACS/CR has enabled us to streamline the process from the moment our patient enters our Radiology Department to when they receive the results. Instant digital images, faster reports, and reduced waiting time for results—PACS/CR is truly benefiting our patients.”
The hospital’s PACS is manufactured by San Diego-based DR Systems, Inc., the nation’s largest independent provider of filmless, computerized medical image and information management systems for hospitals, imaging centers and integrated health care systems.
