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 System that collects, stores, and distributes electronic images through the enterprise. n Presents digital images to the clinician with tools to manipulate the images. n One component of the Electronic Patient Record.

Elements of PACS Digital Imaging Device High Speed Network Database/ Workflow Mgmt. System Diagnostic Workstation Review Workstation Storage Media/ Archive

Elements of PACS Digital Imaging Device High Speed Network Database/ Workflow Mgmt. System Diagnostic Workstation Review Workstation Storage Media

Elements of PACS Digital Imaging Device High Speed Network Database/ Workflow Mgmt. System Diagnostic Workstation Review Workstation Storage Media

DICOM Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine

PACS Issues n RIS or no RIS n Partial (mini) PACS? n Interfaced or integrated? n Separate archive or integrated archive?

Why is PACS hot? n Benefits –Eliminate film handling. –Improves productivity.

Traditional

Fully Automated and Integrated

PACS Benefits n Reduces likelihood of errors n Faster turnaround n Reduces costs associated with handling film and paper n Eliminates lost film

n Response to powerful new imaging equipment: n Multi-detector CT n Up to 16 images on a single rotation n No increase in radiation n New MRIs n Faster=more images n Quieter Why is PACS hot?

n SHORTAGES! –Radiologists –Radiologic Technologists n No solutions on the short term horizon.

The Challenge ,500 images per day ,000 images per day ,000 images per day

Imaging equipment manufacturers Siemens GE Philips Who sells PACS?

HIS Vendors n Cerner n McKesson 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 DeJarnette n DR Systems n Dynamic Imaging n Emageon n Stentor

PACS Trends n Single-tier architecture n Broker-less integration. n Greater workstation capabilities. n Moving out of radiology. n Getting cheaper. n Greater CIO involvement in the selection process.

PACS Resources