End-to-End Radiology Suite Optimizes Effectiveness and Supports Growth

New cloud-based applications have been designed to help healthcare personnel collaborate and improve the delivery of care while reducing costs.

A new archive provides a long-term storage option that houses images securely, in multiple locations, providing 24/7 access. The archive provides comprehensive functionality in a high-availability, high-security framework that meets HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996) and other privacy requirements.

Merge Healthcare, Inc. (Chicago, IL, USA), reported that Imaging Specialists of Charleston and Charleston Radiologists, PA (SC, USA) has selected Merge Healthcare’s entire Merge outpatient radiology suite as well as Merge Honeycomb Archive.

“Because our organization is committed to providing the highest level of patient care and the latest technology available in our field, we’ve recently made the decision to align ourselves with a partner who can help to enable our ambitious plans for growth with leading technology,” explained Michael Garovich, MD, president of Charleston Radiologists.

“Our current technology required a massive upgrade, our volume had exceeded the capabilities and capacity of the RIS [radiology information system], and, in light of declining reimbursement and other pressures, we needed an integrated solution to create efficiencies,” said Dr. Garovich. “We will also be utilizing Merge Honeycomb Archive for cost-effective, long-term storage of the second copy of all of our patient images.”

“Additionally, we will be well-positioned to achieve Meaningful Use in the future while at the same time improving our current billing process and increasing accuracy and transparency for our patients,” added Vicki Richter, imaging center manager.

“With imaging centers like Imaging Specialists of Charleston under mounting pressure to deal with increasingly competitive markets, changing reimbursement models and long claim-payment cycles, integrated RIS and PACS [picture archiving and communication] systems and the cloud can improve staff and clinician efficiency, increase revenue capture and ultimately improve patient volume,” said Justin Dearborn, CEO, Merge Healthcare. “With an integrated RIS, PACS, and cloud solution they will be well-positioned to meet their current challenges and future requirements even as they meet the requirements for Meaningful Use.”

The Merge Outpatient Radiology Suite provides an integrated suite of solutions for an entire radiology business. From the modality to the front office to the back office, Merge solutions deliver more efficient workflow from scheduling through report distribution and billing. Merge provides solutions for easier access to archived images, faster financial return, and the functionality to meet Meaningful Use.

Merge’s enterprise and cloud-based solutions for image intensive specialties provide access to any image, anywhere, any time. Merge also provides health stations, clinical trials software and other health data and analytics systems that engage consumers in their personal health.

Related Links:
Merge Healthcare
Charleston Radiologists