Modern medicine is benefiting from high technology, now more than ever.
That means patients are also the beneficiaries.
This is the way doctors have been using technology for years to help with the diagnosis of patients - x-rays. A valuable tool but soon there will be something to speed up the process. It's called the Picture Archiving and Communications Systems or PACS.
"Rather than obtaining x-ray images and printing them to a film, we actually are sending through a server that is then stored digitally in an archive for soft copy read by the radiologist," said Missy Wasielewski of Castle Imaging Services.
Wasielewski points out there are a number of steps eliminated when the x-ray goes directly to the computer.
"The x-ray technologist obtaining the film. While the x-ray technologist is obtaining that image, there's a file room clerk who's actually retrieving previous studies, previous reports that the radiologist needs to then use for comparison," said Wasielewski.
Not to mention the fact that the doctor can access the x-rays almost immediately.
The PACS system could cut back on hospital costs.
"Time, resources. In today's world, most facilities have file room storage issues. We have those same issues where we're bursting at the seams," said Wasielewski.
The new computer system will be a huge boon for physicians.
"In a PACS environment, they're given a secure web-based login where they can actually access all images, historical images and reports right there in their office. This is true also in our O.R." said Wasielewski.
Meaning, for example, an operating surgeon can get an instant review of a patient's history - right in the operating room.
Soon, the system will be available to physicians around the island - - a plus for patients if they are referred to another doctor.
"They don't have to stop here and pick up their films and bring them over to the doctor. That doctor will be given a secure access, a web-based access to access those images for them," said Wasielewski.
