2009 December

Implementing a RIS/PACS presents an imaging center with major changes to operations, workflow and practice. Physicians and administrators can realize enormous benefits from the introduction of the technology, provided the A, B, Cs of their master plan includes a D for proper deployment.

Due to the incongruent makeup of imaging departments and centers, the myriad challenges that arise in attempting to ease workflow are being solved with a variety of tailor-made solutions.

It was hard to miss the loud rumbles in November. In a reversal of its 2002 recommendations, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) issued new guidelines last month recommending against routine screening mammography in women aged 40 to 49 years and advocating screening only every two years for women aged 50 to 74 years. The uproar reverberated across the nation and shook up the nations Capitol, as well.

When computer-aided detection (CAD) technology for mammography first came to market, some radiologists had an almost visceral reaction against the software. Their concern was that these applications would supplant their role as diagnostician. However, as CAD achieved greater market penetration, many radiologists realized that the technology was not a threat but a powerful tool to aid their practice.

The demand for image post-processing by advanced visualization technology continues to grow across the healthcare enterprise. Maximum intensity projection (MIP), multiplanar reformation (MPR), and 3D modeling tools are in demand by radiologists, cardiologists, neurologists and surgeons specializing in oncologic, orthopedic, vascular, neuro and cardiac interventions.

With the annual report card on Americas fight against cancer just out, we see once again that survival rates are up. Imaging, screening, better treatments and declines in smoking are having an impact.