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. It’s 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. “We’ve 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 doesn’t
consider all the time and effort that’s 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. “We’ll 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.”
# # #
Source : http://www.prweb.com/releases/2004/1/prweb96510.htm