Web-Based Imaging Application Provides RIS/PACS Functionality

A new radiology information system (RIS)/picture archiving communications system (PACS) imaging informatics solution has been designed for single imaging centers that perform up to 10,000 studies annually.

EFilm RIS/PACS, developed by Merge Healthcare (Milwaukee, WI, USA), an imaging software and services provider, is a cost-effective way for small imaging centers and specialty practices to acquire basic RIS/PACS functionality. For visualization, eFilm RIS/PACS features eFilm Workstation, one of the world's most widely used desktop imaging software.

"EFilm RIS/PACS is an economical option for imaging sites with modest annual study volumes,” said Gary Bowers, president, Merge Healthcare North America. "Furthermore, low-volume centers already using eFilm Workstation can maximize their earlier investment by simply upgrading to eFilm RIS/PACS.”

All that is required to begin using eFilm RIS/PACS immediately is installation of the web server by Merge or onsite resources. The server is shipped with the eFilm RIS/PACS software installed. Start-up is further simplified by virtue of a single feature configuration, which provides a comprehensive set of workflow features, ranging from scheduling to report creation. Moreover, a distributed radiology data model is designed to give users access to their reports and images from any web-enabled device, whether at home, a private office, or the scanning site.

Referring physicians may be included in the eFilm RIS/PACS workflow via a web portal, allowing rapid report distribution and availability. EFilm RIS/PACS provides an administrator-defined security model that features various levels of user rights and privileges, thereby limiting data availability only to users that require it.

Additional eFilm RIS/PACS workflow and visualization features include: (1) Compatibility with eFilm Workstation: integrates with existing eFilm Workstation clients, or radiologists can view studies using a web viewer. (2) Document management: all scanned and imported documents are available to the radiologist, providing clinicians with all relevant information needed to make a diagnosis--increasing productivity and diagnostic quality, while eliminating paper storage and time spent searching for documents. (3) Advanced reading tools: users can create maximum intensity projections (MIPs), multiplanar reformatting (MPRs) and slab MPRs to facilitate image reading. (4) Billing information export: HL7 interface from eFilm RIS/PACS to outside billing vendors ensures data integrity and accelerates billing and reimbursement. (5) CD burning: providing portable imaging results is attractive for patients and referring physicians and can reduce costs of produced film. (6) Auditing: surveillance and recording of patient and exam records secure patient privacy and support the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) compliance.


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Merge Healthcare