Riverside Radiology Associates (RRA), partnering with Central Ohio PACS Systems (COPS), has been able to offer PACS (Picture Archiving & Communications Systems) to the physicians of our facility, Ohio Orthopedic Center of Excellence. Since our implementation of PACS in 2003, it has always been our goal to minimize capital expenditures on antiquated processes and technology. Prior to PACS, our only option was to create analog films in a hard copy format. This consumed processor chemicals, monies to run and maintain film processors, additional increases to administrative staff to operate a film library, and provide long-term film storage to unwieldy film jackets.
Intangible benefits are an important consideration for our practice. With 22 physicians in the group, it has become more important than ever to enhance workflow and productivity. Because our physicians, and the RRA radiologists, can access patient images anywhere instantly, our turn around time, and ultimately our patient care have benefited tremendously. This has allowed us to reduce patient wait times, increase our physician’s ability to make appropriate clinical decisions, and eliminate the need for additional patient travel time between sites. PACS also allows our physicians to fully exploit the clinical data produced by our imaging modalities that otherwise would not be available in hard copy films. And finally, films can no longer be lost.
Our relationship with RRA and COPS has been excellent. Their staff has been positive with everyone we have come into contact with, and this has enabled us to work through any problems quickly and efficiently without delays or blame. The PACS system interfaces extremely well in our current workflow processes. And, COPS monitors our system performance 24 hours a day, and provides advanced notification of any performance issues or scheduled maintenance. Overall, we are extremely pleased with our choice in PACS providers and would recommend them to anyone.
Linda Ulasiewicz, RT
Radiology Manager
Ohio Orthopedic Center of Excellence