PACS: Flikr for Doctors
PACS, also known as picture archiving and communication systems, are widely used in medical imaging technology for their economical storage and convenient access to images used in the medical office. Once an image is made it can be transferred electronically into PACS, which removes the need to manually place images into patient files. This is an excellent way to eliminate unnecessary steps in order to save your medical office time and money.
PACS Handles Many Different Types of Images
One benefit of using PACS is that it will support images from a variety of different imaging technologies. PACS supports imaging systems including ultrasound, magnetic resonance, positron emission tomography, computed tomography, endoscopy, mammograms, digital radiology and computed radiology. With support extending to so many different platforms, PACS is well positioned as a universal platform.
There are Four Basic Purposes for PACS
PACS has four basic purposes in the medical office, the first of which is Hard Copy Replacement. The Picture Archiving and Communication System replaces all hard-copy images such as the film archives so that you can reduce the price and space it takes to store these images. PACS also enables Remote Access. Off-site viewing is available with the PACS system so that medical providers from multiple locations can view the same image. PACS offers Electronic Image Integration Platform, providing the necessary platform for images with other automation systems such as your HIS, EMR and RIS. PACS also offers Radiology Workflow Management. Radiology personnel will be able to manage their workflow in a more efficient manner so that they can see more patients on a daily basis.
How You Can Obtain PACS for Your Medical Practice
Nearly all of the major medical imaging vendors as well as IT companies and software companies offer PACS to their users. There is also free PACS software that can be found by simply browsing the Internet.
How PACS Actually Works
Any communications that are done through PACS are conducted through dicom objects that are much like dicom images only with different tags. A normal communication query usually follows the pattern where you establish a connection with the server and inputting a query into the system. The PACS then fills your query with the answer that shows the best match which is then sent to the server. The server takes that information and sends you back a list of matches for your query so that you can view the objects.
Picture Archiving and Communication Systems Make Sense
With the use of PACS you are able to reduce the amount of room it takes to store images for patient files, but you are also reducing the amount of labor hours your employees will spend in manually filing these images. PACS was designed to help your company save money and streamline their processes which in turn means that you will have more time to focus on the care of your patients; that is after all the top priority for anyone in the medical practice.
