PACS

Picture archiving and communication systems (PACS) have replaced conventional radiographic films as the digital image-viewing hub over the past two decades and now serve as the primary communication bridge between radiologists, radiologic technologists and referring providers. PACS enables all authorized clinicians to access medical images and reports quickly, easily and from virtually any location. Some health systems have integrated PACS into the electronic medical record (EMR). Others have moved to enterprise image systems to replace radiology PACS and allow all departments to now store images and reports in one location for easier health system-wide access.

Muzammil A. Shafi, MD

How Konica Minolta’s next generation, cloud-based enterprise imaging is powering one practice’s growth

Sponsored by Konica Minolta

Finding the right enterprise imaging system is critical for radiology practices and hospitals that need to expand and scale their image management and reading capacity. For Houston Northwest Radiology Association, a large increase in the volume of images they manage for clients means it’s time to commit to a next-gen EI system.

Key trends in enterprise imaging

Radiology is going though a period of disruption with a growing radiologist shortage, decreasing reimbursements and increasing numbers of exams, making workflow efficiency a critical concern.

doctor examines patient data on their tablet

Hospital system data sharing initiative leads to 80% of patients accessing their imaging records

The change was made to comply with the information blocking rule in the 21st Century Cures Act.

M&A mergers and acquisitions business deal

Radiology AI developer Deepc acquires Osimis image management platform

The integration brings artificial intelligence to an image management service used for patient care and clinical trials.

Gold Medal award winner

Sectra 'Best in KLAS' among PACS vendors; Agfa, 3M, Fujifilm and Nuance also make imaging list

The report recognizes software and service companies “who excel in helping healthcare professionals improve patient care.” 

Sectra's packed booth at RSNA 2023. Sectra again won the Best in KLAS 2024 awards as the best vendor to work with for for both large and small sized radiology PACS.

Best in KLAS 2024 rankings released, showcasing medical imaging IT systems

End-users of various radiology IT systems offer their assessment of the software they use in the annual KLAS Research 2024 Best in KLAS report.

Kyle Souligne, director, enterprise imaging radiology, Agfa Healthcare, discusses technologies like workflow orchestration, AI and cloud that can be used to optimize radiologist’s processes and create efficiency, so they work smarter, not harder. These technologies are playing an increasing role to address the shortage of radiologists.

Optimizing reading efficiency to address radiologist shortages

Agfa Healthcare's Kyle Souligne discusses technologies that can optimize physicians' efficiency to help practices do more with less. 

Lyle McMillin, principal healthcare product manager with Hyland, explains radiology IT issues and how cloud and enterprise imaging can be a solution. #RSNA #RSNA23 #RSNA2023 #PACS #enterpriseimaging

Radiology embracing the flexibility of imaging data stored off-site in the cloud

Lyle McMillin, with radiology IT vendor Hyland, explains trends he sees in the market and a definite shift toward cloud and enterprise imaging to address challenges in the market. 

Around the web

The nuclear imaging isotope shortage of molybdenum-99 may be over now that the sidelined reactor is restarting. ASNC's president says PET and new SPECT technologies helped cardiac imaging labs better weather the storm.

CMS has more than doubled the CCTA payment rate from $175 to $357.13. The move, expected to have a significant impact on the utilization of cardiac CT, received immediate praise from imaging specialists.

The all-in-one Omni Legend PET/CT scanner is now being manufactured in a new production facility in Waukesha, Wisconsin.