2007 May

Alegent Health in Omaha, Neb., has tapped into an array of Siemensimaging and IT solutions to improve operations, workflow and patientcare across five of its hospitals and multiple outpatient sites.

Integrated RIS-PACS almost sounds too good to be true. Can it really offer reduced costs, improved productivity, speedier turn-around times, track patients and equipment, and help recruit physicians?

Hospitals across the country are struggling to contain costs whileensuring patient safety and high-quality care. Alegent Health, an11-year-old non-profit health system based in Omaha, Neb., that servesNebraska and southwestern Iowa is investing in technology to helpprovide unparalleled quality.

To be a competitive player and grow business, outpatient imaging centers are investing in advanced systems such as RIS/PACS, voice recognition, and digital x-ray and mammography systems.

The relationship between Alegent Health and Siemens goes beyond imagingand IT equipment. They have built a strategic alliance, which helpsguide the decision-making process at the healthcare organization.

With image volumes surging every day, hospitals and imaging centers running out of disk space on their PACS are looking for ways to upgrade infrastructure to expand capacity.

Like any successful relationship, technology collaboration requiresgive and take and a long-term vision. Ken Lawonn, Alegent Health SeniorVice President and CIO and a chief architect of the strategic alliancebetween Alegent Health and Siemens, shares some insight.

The concept of clinical decision support is simple. It deliverscontext-specific education material in real time to a physician tryingto make a patient-care decision. Butimplementing decision support in clinical practice? That’s a bit morecomplicated.

Even with the struggle DRAs bring, Baby Boomers are making sure there’sno lack of demand for imaging services. For imaging centers employingsmart business decisions and maximizing technology and people, thesting of the DRA can be less painful.

Like a freight train gathering speed, adoption of digital mammography has gained momentum as centers recognize the benefits of this technology.

Streamlining radiation oncology workflow and boosting productivity in progressive facilities and departments large and small.

Integrating the Healthcare Enterprise has gone from a small-time operation to a major player in the healthcare interoperability game.

Even with the struggle DRAs bring, Baby Boomers are making sure there’sno lack of demand for imaging services. For imaging centers employingsmart business decisions and maximizing technology and people, thesting of the DRA can be less painful.

Select an Issue