Roper St. Francis Healthcare utilizes state of the art technology known as PACS, or a Picture Archive and Communication System as an integral part of Imaging services. A PACS system enables x-ray or other images to be viewed and distributed through a computer network. Radiologists interpret studies with specialized computer workstations, and x-ray films are replaced by the digital images.

We chose the Horizon Medical Imaging (HMI) system from McKesson as our PACS solution. The HMI system is a digital image network that manages and stores medical images. Because the system works through the use of desktop computers, HMI software eliminates the need, and associated processing, administration and storage costs of film. This system allows for online access for physician review of many different radiology images such as CT scans, MRI studies, Ultrasound, Nuclear Medicine, routine radiography and even digital mammography images. The PACS system is used at the majority of the Roper Saint Francis Healthcare locations. Referring physicians can access images using a standard PC and Web browser and privacy and security are ensured through secure login accounts using encryption techniques.

There are many benefits to the PACS system. Test results and diagnoses will be available more quickly, and patient care will benefit as clinicians and care teams work together viewing common information across one or more locations. Another important feature is that PACS will allow physicians to compare a patient’s images with medical record data throughout the continuum of care. Images can also be sent on CD-ROM to referring physicians and other specialists for consultation. Users are able to view the CD on most PCs with a CD drive and no special software or hardware is required. The CD contains self-loading software to allow viewing and manipulation of the images. The referring physician can easily review their cases at anywhere, anytime.

The successful implementation of PACS technology at Roper Saint Francis Healthcare has been seen in faster patient results, improved image acces, improved efficiency and reductions in film cost. The Roper Saint Francis Healthcare PACS system is a major technological advance that is improving the way Roper St. Francis Healthcare provides Imaging services.