PACS (Picture Archive & Communication System) is a relatively new technology that is quickly redefining the way medical images are being accessed and stored. PACS uses computers and/or networks dedicated to the storage, retrieval, distribution and presentation of medical images. These images are then stored for quick and easy retrieval. PACS has two main selling points: It replaces hard copy storage of all medical images while eliminating the cost of film and processing supplies, and it makes medical images accessible anywhere on the globe in a matter of seconds.
Most major medical imaging equipment manufacturers have developed a PACS solution, but Viztek’s OpalRAD is consistently outshining its competition within the small to mid-size hospital demographic. Some of the features the OpalRAD boasts of are its streaming technology, storing digital images the moment they are produced and employing a web-based architecture, making them accessible anywhere on the globe - even in the middle of a patient case; its dictation option, allowing doctors and specialist to verbally diagnose from anywhere in the world, thus expediting patient care; and a separate off-site image storage sites in addition to the two redundancies found within the hospital network, making data loss virtually impossible regardless of the technical issue or natural disaster that may occur- the images are safely stored and can be synced within hours should an interruption occur.
Southwest Medical’s focus on Radiology solutions for critical access hospitals has positioned the company to meet the hospitals’ needs as government funding becomes available to them. Southwest Medical ( http://www.swmedical.com ) is ready to help critical access hospitals step into the Information Age.
For more information concerning PACS, visit Southwest Medical at http://swmedical.com/
