PACS: An Overview Healthcare Technology Network George H. Bowers Health Care Information Consultants, LLC © Copyright 2004 Healthcare Information Consultants, LLC
Picture Archiving and Communication System
PACS n n n System that collects, stores, and distributes electronic images through the enterprise. Presents digital images to the clinician with tools to manipulate the images. One component of the Electronic Patient Record.
Digital Imaging Device High Speed Network Storage Media/ Archive Elements of PACS Database/ Workflow Mgmt. System Review Workstation Diagnostic Workstation
Digital Imaging Device High Speed Network Storage Media Elements of PACS Database/ Workflow Mgmt. System Review Workstation Diagnostic Workstation
Digital Imaging Device High Speed Network Storage Media Elements of PACS Database/ Workflow Mgmt. System Review Workstation Diagnostic Workstation
DICOM Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine
PACS Issues n n RIS or no RIS Partial (mini) PACS? Interfaced or integrated? Separate archive or integrated archive?
Why is PACS hot? n Benefits – Eliminate film handling. – Improves productivity.
Traditional
Fully Automated and Integrated
PACS Benefits n n Reduces likelihood of errors Faster turnaround Reduces costs associated with handling film and paper Eliminates lost film
Why is PACS hot? n n Response to powerful new imaging equipment: Multi-detector CT n n n Up to 16 images on a single rotation No increase in radiation New MRIs n n Faster=more images Quieter
Why is PACS hot? n SHORTAGES! – Radiologists – Radiologic Technologists n No solutions on the short term horizon.
The Challenge 1994 1, 500 images per day 2002 16, 000 images per day 2006 80, 000 images per day
Who sells PACS? Imaging equipment manufacturers • Siemens • GE • Philips
Who sells PACS? HIS Vendors n Cerner n Mc. Kesson n Eclipsys n IDX n Misys n Siemens n GE
Who sells PACS? Film Vendors n AGFA n KODAK n Fuji
Who sells PACS? PACS (as a primary product) vendors n Amicas n Brit Systems n De. Jarnette n DR Systems n Dynamic Imaging n Emageon n Stentor
PACS Trends n n n Single-tier architecture Broker-less integration. Greater workstation capabilities. Moving out of radiology. Getting cheaper. Greater CIO involvement in the selection process.
PACS Resources n n n http: //www. diagnosticimaging. com/ http: //www. imagingeconomics. com/ http: //www. scarnet. org http: //radtutor. mcw. edu/clubpacs/index. php http: //www. auntminnie. com http: //www. ahra. com