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.

Amy Thompson, a senior analyst at Signify Research, explains what she is seeing in the market for radiology PACS. She said the biggest overall, strategic technology trends are wider adoption of enterprise imaging systems expanding beyond radiology to include other departments, migration to cloud data storage, and adoption of artificial intelligence. Components of these integrate into the 5 trends in radiology IT systems outlined below.

5 key trends in PACS and enterprise imaging from Signify Research

Signify Research explains several key trends in the evolution of radiology PACS and enterprise imaging systems, including adoption of artificial intelligence, streamlining workflow, implementing structured reporting and more.

Why is cloud computing is being adopted in radiology? Amy Thompson, a senior analyst at Signify Research, explains what she is seeing in radiology PACS and enterprise imaging system in the market in terms of cloud adoption. She said there has been rising interest in adopting cloud over the past few years, and the COVID pandemic showed amity healthcare systems the value of having a cloud-based system for easier remote access to patient data and imaging.

Cloud storage helps solve radiology IT and cybersecurity issues and is growing

Amy Thompson, a senior analyst at Signify Research, explains why radiology is rapidly adopting cloud data storage solutions.

 

Sectra reinforces top standing among PACS suppliers recognized by KLAS; Fujifilm stays strong with VNA

Healthcare research outfit KLAS is out with its 2023 Best in KLAS awards recognizing excellence in healthcare software and services, and the Sweden-based imaging IT and cybersecurity company Sectra tops the field of U.S. PACS vendors—again.  

Sky Lakes Medical Center, Oregon, discusses how the hospitals IT team overcame a ransomware attack in 2020 during the height of COVID that took down their entire network and how radiology recovered within two weeks.. 

VIDEO: How radiology was restored after a ransomware attack at Sky Lakes Medical Center in Oregon

John Gaede, director of information systems, Sky Lakes Medical Center, Oregon, discusses how the hospital's IT team overcame a ransomware attack in 2020 and restored radiology in about two weeks.

Example of artificial intelligence generated measurements to quantify the size of a lung cancer nodule during a followup CT scan to see if the lesion is regressing with treatment. This type of automation can aid radiologists by doing the tedious, time consuming work. Photo by Dave Fornell

8 trends in radiology technology to watch in 2023

Here is a list of some key trends in radiology technology from our editors based on our coverage of the radiology market.

Example of AI automated detection and highlighting of critical lung findings on a chest X-ray for a possible lung cancer nodule and fibrosis. Example shown by AI vendor Lunit.

VIDEO: Radiology AI trends at RSNA 2022

Sanjay Parekh, PhD, senior market analyst with Signify Research, discusses trends in radiology AI seen on the expo floor and in sessions at RSNA 2022.

Amazon

Amazon marshals partners, providers behind major move into medical imaging

Cloud giant Amazon Web Services is expanding its 1½ -year-old HealthLake data-management service in two imaging-specific directions. In the process it’s drawing vocal buy-in from healthcare providers as well as imaging vendors.

PACS vendors under the KLAS microscope as many users consider a change

More than 30% of surveyed PACS users are looking around for a potential replacement, according to an 82-page report from KLAS. “The U.S. PACS market is poised for change," the report's authors wrote. 

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.

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