Modality Connections
As you begin to shop for a PACS system, important factors to consider are the systems you plan on connecting to it upon installation. Integration with imaging modalities, Electronic Medical Records (EMR) and Practice Management Systems (PMS) will enhance your overall workflow.
When integrated, patient information captured by the PMS or EMR is shared with imaging modalities (CR, DR, MRI, etc.) through modality work lists, eliminating repetitive data entry and ensuring consistency between systems.
Top Things You Should Consider when Integrating PACS
- Can the PMS/EMR system interface with the PACS via HL7 through TCP/IP?
- Have you purchased and installed the necessary software for your EMR/PMS or imaging modality to integrate with a PACS?
- Which imaging modalities do you plan to connect to the PACS system? Are they on-site or off-site?
- Discuss your clinic's specific workflow with your representative and how going digital will enhance it.
- Often it is the customer's responsibility to ensure network functionality between the EMR/PMS, imaging modalities and PACS. If you do not have a dedicated IT person on staff, discuss with your options with your PACS representative.
- When integrating systems from different vendors, each party will often charge a connectivity fee. Consider vendors who offer complete solutions to ensure compatibility and avoid additional connection charges.
- Ask imaging vendors if the DICOM modalities that will connect to the PACS are DICOM 3.0 compatible.
- Does the PACS support importing studies from outside sources such as hospitals or other clinics on any media such as CDs, flash drives, etc.?
- Does the PACS support C-move--a standard DICOM command which enables an outside hospital to request patient studies from the PACS without manual interaction?
- Can the PACS connect to OR equipment such as endoscopy digital capture devices?
- Can the image modality operator automatically "hang" specific images on physician workstations, mimicking the current process of hanging film?