How to save 1.2 million sheets of paper

New PACS document mangement software turns paper patient documents into part of a DICOM file traveling with medical images. Saves Tucson hospital time, effort and 1.2 million sheets of paper.

(PRWEB) January 2, 2004 --Interview: Radiology, Ltd., Tucson, AZ - Ana Aguilera, Information Systems Director, Jeanne Bacon, Training Coordinator, Chip Hardesty, Technical Director

Radiology Ltd operates 7 imaging centers in the greater Tucson, plus the business office for the full operation. Radiology Ltd. has served the Tucson area for more than 50 years and has grown to include a staff of 45 radiologists and more than 300 employees. Its estimated that the total number of out patient exams during a typical year totals 200,000. In addition, their radiologist read at four local hospitals - probably another 200,000 exams. If it can be done in radiology, we do it." says Chip Hardesty, technical director.
   The initial installation of PacsSCAN began with a beta test of three scanners at one of the seven Radiology Ltd sites. One scanner is in the reception area, one in the film assembly area and one in the film library.
   Because the beta site worked out so well, we have already ordered eight more scanners," explains Ana Aguilera, Information Systems Director. Weve been looking for this kind of solution for a long time, so want to implement PacsSCAN as soon as possible at our other sites."
   Aguilera says the amount of paper being saved just at the front desk area is amazing. When a patient arrives, personal data is inputted and insurance cards are scanned into the PacsSCAN system. With two or three documents scanned for each patient, that estimated total would be a savings of up to 1.2 million sheets of paper per year.
That doesnt consider all the time and effort thats being saved," smiles Aguilera. To have everything as an electronic file is convenient and very efficient."
   The project not only includes the front desk procedure that is extremely important to Radiology Ltd. billing operation as well as assuring up-to-date information on every patient, but a second track as well. Development of the next track is currently underway to totally integrate PacsSCAN with our Amicus PACS. This will allow the radiologist to receive via PACS, all prior patient reports, patient history sheets and other important documents with the images they are about to read.
   
PacsSCAN has been well accepted by the administrative staff who are working with it now," comments Jeanne Bacon, training coordinator. They are all excited about completing the system in all our facilities next year."

The goal is to have all seven facilities fully up and running with PacsSCAN by April or May 2004. Well be completely paperless," says Aguilera, optimistically. Images will be read by any radiologist at any site, no matter where they are acquired." Before PacsSCAN, documents were delayed because they had to be faxed and carried by sneaker net to the radiologist.

PacsGEAR staff members are very bright and responsive," says Hardesty. They are able to put into code what the radiologists on the team are requesting. We are very happy with their work."
###
Ana Aguilera
Phone: 520 795-2889 x1463