subject: Affordable Pacs Solutions In Dicom Format [print this page] Dicom is an acronym for Digital Imaging and Communications In Medicine. It is a digital imaging format that is similar to jpeg, but it has been applied to medical uses. PACS systems are hardware and software devices that enable a personal computer to view, store, send and receive digital medical images in the Dicom format. It is safe to say that the Dicom format and its many uses in the PACS environment have revolutionized how hospitals and all manner of medical facilities create, use and store medical images. While at one time in the past digital imaging was too expensive for all but the largest hospitals to afford, today, because personal computer technology and electronics prices have come down, there are affordable PACS solutions for even small and mid-sized medical facilities.
Affordability is built into many digital imaging components. Many of the digital imaging electronic components can be used to retrofit your existing film imaging systems. In this way, you can expand into digital radiology as your budget allows.
You can capture digital images through the use of CR and DR imaging systems. Both come in portable models as well, allowing you to bring digital radiology to your patients who cannot come to see you in your office. Equipment is also available to allow you to convert your film images to Dicom.
Storing your digital images is vastly easier than trying to store film images. With a PACS system in place, you can use a server as your digital database to store all of your digital records in the medical format. Digital storage also allows you to store patient records both on- and off-site, helping you to stay in compliance with HIPPA disaster recovery rules, as well as patient privacy. Authorized personnel can access the system with the use of a username and password, making the entire system more secure. You can add on an RIS package to your PACS system, allowing you to digitize text documents, as well as handle scheduling, reporting and even billing.
You can use a Dicom viewer to take a close look at all of your digital images. The viewer and software allows for easy on-screen editing and enhancement of the digital images, leading to better patient care.
You can distribute digital images in a variety of ways. Use a local area or wide area network, or even use teleradiology to utilize the Internet to send and receive your digital images securely online.
You will find affordable PACS solutions online from medical imaging distributors.
