RSNA: GE Healthcare unveils GE Health Cloud, numerous radiology apps

CHICAGO—GE Healthcare announced its new GE Health Cloud, four new radiology apps related to the cloud, and other new technologies this week at the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) 2015 annual meeting in Chicago.

GE said its new cloud will connect more than 500,000 imaging machines, and 3D images can then be viewed on multiple devices, both in and outside of the hospital.

"Our ultimate goal is to help improve patient care and drive superior clinical, financial and operational outcomes alongside healthcare providers," Jeff Immelt, GE chairman and CEO, said in a statement. "As the digital industrial leader, we are betting big on the GE Health Cloud. By connecting clinicians with the insights needed, when and where they need them, clinicians can take action to improve healthcare outcomes and delivery around the globe."

In the same statement, John Flannery, GE Healthcare president and CEO, said this new technology will help providers transform patient data into high-value solutions.

"Healthcare devices are generating enormous amounts of data, and that data is expected to increase 50-fold by 2020," Flannery said. "The GE Health Cloud can help unlock the value of this data, quickly and seamlessly for better patient care. The GE Health Cloud will help clinicians turn data into insights, and insights into tangible actions for decision-makers to drive better outcomes."

The four radiology apps announced at RSNA 2015 are Centricity Cloud Advanced Visualization, Centricity Multi-Disciplinary Team Virtual Meeting, Centricity Case Exchange, and Centricity Image Access Portal.  

"Our new apps will bring incredible computing and mobility power to radiologists and clinicians," Jan De Witte, GE Healthcare IT president and CEO, said in the statement. "By enhancing radiologists' speed and confidence through the apps, we can help improve their ability to collaborate with referring clinicians inside and outside the hospital."

The GE Health Cloud is also expected to be opened up for third-party app development, allowing potentially limitless customization and improvement.

GE Healthcare announced other new technologies at RSNA 2015 as well.

ViosWorks acquires free-breathing scans in just minutes, allowing providers to learn important cardiac MR information. And DoseWatch Explore is a web-based dose management software that analyzes and reports practice-level dose data for GE CT systems.