Physicians need access to the highest-quality and most up-to-date information in order to make the best decisions for their patients. However, patient data is often spread across multiple platforms that don't always play nicely with each other. Electronic health record (EHR) systems store textual information like patient visit notes and test results. Separately, picture archiving and communication systems (PACS) provide storage and access to medical images.
Radiologic technologists, or "rad techs" as they are often called, play a key role in the medical imaging supply chain, and they are often the people within the practice who take a hands-on, active role with the technology. They're also responsible for making sure medical imaging is of a high quality, and that it arrives in the correct hands. Recent technology advancements have improved their ability to share medical imaging electronically, greatly improving their workflow.
So how has this process improved and how are radiologic technologists taking advantage of electronic image sharing?
The possibility of internet disruptions and outages is one of the main reasons why some medical providers are reluctant to switch from their current onsite PACS medical imaging storage solution to a cloud-based option. For many, the benefits of the cloud seem very alluring, but the downsides that come with an outage seem too risky for a business that depends on being constantly connected.
Institutions that choose to upgrade or replace their legacy picture archiving and communications system (PACS) are faced with the thorny question of what to do with the historical data stored on the system. In most states, medical providers are required to retain patient medical records for seven years or more after their creation (and even longer in cases where pediatric images are involved), which means that imaging studies need to be preserved beyond the average lifetime of the PACS that archives them.
There are essentially two choices when dealing with legacy PACS data: You can leave the data on the legacy system and maintain it for access by the new system, or you can migrate the data to the new system.
Eventually, as technology continues to advance and new features are added, all medical practices will need to face the reality of upgrading their picture archiving and communications system (PACS). Many legacy PACS are unable to meet the expanding needs and expectations of medical professionals and their patients. That said, the costs of updating software and hardware often eclipse the costs of simply purchasing a new system.
However, finding the right PACS for your practice can be difficult, and making the wrong choice will be a costly mistake. Here are five things you can't afford to forget when you realize it's time for a PACS upgrade.
