RIS and PACS Suite Replaces Existing Systems for More Efficient Information and Image Management

An outpatient radiology suite provides an integrated range of software for a more complete radiology management workflow. From all areas of the workplace, the suite provides more efficient workflow from scheduling through report distribution and billing.

Merge Healthcare, Inc. (Chicago, IL, USA) recently reported that St. Joseph’s Imaging (Syracuse, NY, USA) has selected Merge’s Outpatient Radiology Suite consisting of Merge’s radiology information system (RIS), picture archiving and communication system (PACS), document management, referring physician engagement, and medical image sharing solution. Merge provides solutions for easier access to archived images, faster financial return, and the functionality to meet Meaningful Use (MU).

“We needed to replace aging systems and wanted to work with a partner who could meet the day-to-day needs of our imaging centers and also address the many upcoming challenges and opportunities facing our business because of regulations, industry updates, and changing technology,” explained Olga Stanton, director of radiology, St. Joseph’s Imaging Associates. “With the Merge RIS and Merge PACS, we will be able to manage our daily operations with an integrated system that will reduce duplicate data entry and errors, as well as meet Meaningful Use compliance. We will also be utilizing Merge Referral Portal and iConnect Access solution to give our referring physicians the ability to place orders with us and access reports and even patient images online,” Ms. Stanton concluded.

“Replacing our RIS and PACS is a big undertaking for our IT department and our staff, so we carefully considered all options before making the decision to partner with Merge," added Tammy Wilson, RIS administrator. “Our initial plan was to replace our PACS only, but after seeing the value in an integrated solution and understanding how Merge will help us meet future requirements in areas like meaningful use stage 2, it made sense to replace all our systems with Merge.”

“With imaging centers like St. Joseph’s under mounting pressure to deal with increasingly competitive markets, changing reimbursement models and long claim-payment cycles, integrated RIS and PACS systems can improve staff and clinician efficiency, increase revenue capture, and ultimately improve patient volume,” said Jeff Surges, CEO, Merge Healthcare. “With an integrated RIS and PACS and solutions to more closely engage with their referring physicians, they will be well-positioned to meet their current challenges and future requirements.”

iConnect Access is not yet US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-cleared for diagnostic use on mobile devices.

Related Links:
Merge Healthcare
St. Joseph’s Imaging