Information technology is a part of virtually every function in today's successful imaging centers. To showcase centers that are at the forefront of utilizing IT solutions to stay ahead, Imaging Technology News will feature its second annual "Most Wired Outpatient/Imaging Centers" in the May issue.
"Wired" centers are those that use IT solutions to address interoperability, patient safety, quality care, business processes and data security and integrity. Centers can be nominated if they are considered a leader in IT and meet the following criteria:
1. Interoperability: The center successfully interfaces with disparate PACS or disparate clinical management systems such as PACS for cardiology, nuclear medicine, pathology and other PACS, or with an Electronic Health Records (EHR) system, or with Web-based software.
2. Reading Tools: The center provides radiologists with IT solutions to retrieve images, view images, dictate reports, reference decision support and/or image appropriateness criteria, notify referring physicians of a critical finding or confirm that the referring physician has received the report.
3. Business Tools: The center utilizes up-to-date business IT solutions to measure workflow efficiency, complete billing workflow, track trends in types of imaging exams, etc., store/archive reports and provide business continuity/disaster recovery.
4. IT for Equipment: The center uses IT solutions to provide safer patient care when using imaging equipment.
For more information or to nominate a center, visit itnonline.net/mostwiredoutpatientcenters
