National Harbor, Md. — Millions of images resulting from radiography, CT, MRI, PET and other imaging modalities are created, viewed and archived by radiologists in hospitals around the globe each year. To do this efficiently, these facilities rely on image management systems to tackle the massive task—but radiology departments shouldn’t be alone in harnessing the power of PACS, according to Gary Wendt, MD, MBA, of the University of Wisconsin in Madison.
“Visible light allows you to realize the benefits of PACS throughout your entire enterprise,” Wendt told session attendees at the Society of Imaging Informatics in Medicine (SIIM) annual meeting. “It improves the effectiveness of your faculty by providing a single point of imaging access."
Visible light photos and videos represent an enormous amount of data generated by a diverse array of medical practices and procedures:
- Dentistry
- Ophthalmology
- Endoscopy
- Colonoscopy
- Bronchoscopy
- Fluoroscopy
- Surgery
- Pathology
Breaking down existing imaging barriers among these specialties and consolidating patient information beyond the realm of radiology is critical, according to Wendt, and allows doctors across the medical spectrum to access all available patient information and better coordinate care management and treatment strategies. “[Incorporating visible light images and videos into PACS] improves patient care with a more integrated record,” Wendt said. “So you can actually improve the speed of clinical care and enhance your access to specialty function.”
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