2007 November

Progressive clinicians are working with vendors to fine-tune CAD applications for lung imaging. CAD is helping physicians find more cancers—and refinements continue to make it even better.

2007 could mark the year that mammography turned the corner in terms of achieving efficient breast imaging workflow. More sites are purchasing or planning for digital mammography solutions. Digital pioneers show how it’s done right.

The advent of digital imaging modalities and PACS products have compelled IT departments to scale up archive space to meet the increased storage needs of their users.

The methods and tools available to check and maintain the performance (and conformance) of displays are as varied as the makes and models of monitors themselves.

CPOE requires a fairly technologically sophisticated facility and an exhaustive implementation process. But the benefits it brings are clear and compelling. Two facilities share their experiences in implementing the technology.

Imaging volumes in the ED are increasing, particularly in the data-intense modalities: CT and MRI. Digital acquisition and review systems can improve the ED environment, but real progress requires training and planning.

The benefits of integrated RIS/PACS in radiology are absolutely clear: improved workflow, faster report turnaround time and enhanced patient care. Enterprise care, however, is equally important, and digital image management solutions such as the Siemens RIS/PACS and related solutions can deliver powerful benefits to clinicians across the enterprise.

PACS is often a multi-faceted investment that requires healthcare enterprises to consider complementary solutions and develop comprehensive plans to maximize the initial investment. One of the key related solutions in the PACS decision-making process is information storage and management.

Children’s Hospital of Alabama in Birmingham deployed PACS four years ago in crisis mode. Prior to PACS implementation, within a few months, the radiology department had lost three of its eight radiologists.

2007 will go down in history in the imaging marketplace. It’s the yearthree little letters—DRA—impacted the market more strongly thananything ever before.