Enterprise Imaging and Solutions Designed for Meaningful Use

A new cloud-based platform offers free image sharing, in that users can upload, download, view, and share medical images anywhere, anytime.

No additional software is needed to use the free image sharing application in the Merge (Chicago, IL, USA) Honeycomb; it can be used from any device with a web browser including personal computers (PCs), Mac computers (developed by Apple, Inc.; Cupertino, CA, USA), tablets, and mobile devices. Merge Honeycomb is a works-in-progress.

With 6,000 clinics across the United States, Merge has the largest image-sharing network opportunity. Merge Honeycomb will be launched in the first quarter of 2012. Users can sign up now for free accounts online (Please see Related Links below) and will be notified once live. “Moving images to the cloud provides a number of operational benefits, including increased storage capacity and availability,” said Jeff Surges, CEO of Merge Healthcare. “Plus, it reduces costs and IT [information technology] complexities as images are shared safely and securely over the Internet.”

Merge iConnect is a suite of image interoperability solutions that can improve workflow, reduce care delays, and lower costs by enabling access to any image, anywhere, at any time, on any device. iConnect supports an enterprise-wide imaging strategy by providing access to medical images from any approved Web-enabled device and facilitates the sharing of images between referring centers without the need for additional equipment or software.

Components include: Merge iConnect Access: a zero-download, browser-based image viewer; Merge iConnect Share: an Internet-gateway capable of receiving and morphing studies from outside the enterprise, allowing for prompt electronic transfer of images (vs. burning and sending on a CD); Merge iConnect VNA: a vendor-neutral archive (VNA) to create a patient-centric record of images and data across all sites and modalities, enabling physicians to manage content from disparate storage solutions; and Merge iConnect Kiosk: a patient check-in device to automate the front office.

“We’re excited to showcase the latest developments in the iConnect suite, which include more powerful interfaces and increased functionality,” continued Mr. Surges. “We’ve listened closely to clients…and have incorporated features that will significantly improve ease of use and streamline operational workflow.”

The Merge radiology information system (RIS) v7.0 is a radiology-specific, complete electronic health record (HER) certified for “meaningful use” (MU). The RIS is a web-based, feature-rich information system used by hundreds of ambulatory care practices, imaging centers, and radiology group practices. Merge RIS provides radiologists the capability to capture and report on the metrics required to demonstrate meaningful use of EHRs. “With more than 90% of radiologists able to qualify for meaningful use incentives, it is essential that they develop a strategy to meet criteria, earn incentive funds, and more importantly, avoid future penalties,” said Mr. Surges. “And now that Merge RIS has received the federal government’s meaningful use ‘stamp of approval,’ providers can utilize our single, radiology-specific solution to demonstrate MU.”

Merge RIS provides the functionality needed to achieve meaningful use requirements, including: data collection: collect mandated patient data intuitively; reporting: access preconfigured, easy-to-use reports to assist with Meaningful Use data submission; and patient portal provides patients with clinical summaries, electronic copies of their health information, educational data, and reminders.

Merge picture archiving and communication system (PACS) enables the user to store and access images from any Web-based device so you can review and share images and data more efficiently. Radiologists can read, review, archive and share images, and reports from a common user interface. “With Merge PACS, radiologists can enhance clinical, operational, and administrative functions,” said Mr. Surges. “It enables them to operate with fewer resources, improve workflow efficiency, and deliver faster results to referring physicians.”

With Merge CADstream, providers can automate the analysis, reporting, and interventional planning of their magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies for breast, liver, and prostate and benefit from higher quality imaging studies, lower costs, and improved communication with referring physicians.

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