Radiology PACS vs. Orthopaedic PACS
Unlike hospital radiology, orthopaedic group practices require rapid patient flow and response, demanding a completely different logic to access images. While other PACS vendors often re-brand third-party software created for radiologists, it is important to consider solutions designed to mirror how orthopedists practice medicine.
Query vs. Sort
The difference between query and sort architecture illustrates an important difference between a system designed for orthopaedics and one created for radiology. Orthopedists will quickly note the impact that this makes on rapidly handling patients in a busy clinic.
Radiology workflow
- Work list orientation
- Queue basis: First-in-First-out, FIFO
- Predictable: Same task for different patients
- Focus is diagnosis and report
Orthopaedic workflow
- Task list basis: requires immediate access
- Sort filters: drill down to specific studies
- Provides mobility between examination rooms and physician pods
- Instant tasks available: ex. Compare to previous studies; Templating
- Case flexibility: studies may be easily sorted