Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS)
BAPTIST HEALTH has implemented a Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS) that is used to electronically manage and distribute images. A Picture Archiving and Communication System is a configuration of electronic hardware and software including infrastructure capable of storing, retrieving, transporting, displaying and printing medical images, such as X-rays and MRIs, throughout an organization.
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Dr. James Florez evaluates images through
the PACS system.
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The PACS will allow physicians and medical staff to quickly access medical images, giving them faster access to potentially live-saving information. Physicians and staff will have access to these images from computers throughout the hospital as well as from the physician's offices and homes.
PACS has allowed for the transition of BAPTIST HEALTH Radiology films to a "soft-copy," filmless environment and will improve access to images throughout the system. Images collected from CT, MRI, Nuclear Medicine, Ultrasound, Diagnostic X-ray, Special Procedures and Digital Fluoroscopy are currently available for viewing, with other "ologies" to be added later (i.e., Cardiology and Pathology).
The benefits of PACS are many, including viewing from multiple locations, accessibility to reports, viewing images simultaneously with other physicians, quicker image delivery and reducing the incidence of lost films. The PACS is accessible through the internet and the BAPTIST HEALTH Physician Portal. Training for staff and physicians is available through the BAPTIST HEALTH EmployeeNet Computer Based Training module or through the radiology department.
