Memorial Health Care System became the first in Chattanooga to implement PACS (Picture Archive and Communication System) hospital-wide when it launched the program at three imaging locations in June.
PACS is the latest electronic technology for organizing, transporting, viewing, and storing medical imaging data. Images from radiology modalities, such as x-rays, cat scans (CT), MRI’s, ultrasounds, and nuclear medicine, are digitally archived and displayed with quality that is comparable, and in some cases, better than traditional films, said officials.
Images can be accessed at clinical review stations located in the radiology physician review area, ICU, Emergency Room, and operating rooms. Additionally, physicians can access images from any computer with internet access through a password protected portal.
Radiologists will be able to complete reports with greater speed and accuracy and remote access for physicians allows a faster and more accurate diagnosis to expedite patient care, said officials. PACS also makes transportation of files easier as images are available on CD versus bulky films.
Also, all digital images taken at Memorial Hospital, Memorial North Park Hospital, and Memorial Atrium have been incorporated into the PACS system. Patients will benefit from quicker results and easier transportation with their images on CD.