Health care has experienced a significant impact from recent improvements to information technology, such as PACS systems and other imaging devices. Diagnostic reports gleaned from radiology exams were typically transmitted in the same format for many years. But with new advancements in medical imaging, these reports could begin to fluidly coordinate with disparate systems, akin to vendor neutral archives.
Advance Healthcare Network Executive Insight explained that emerging technologies in the industry look to overhaul the quality of diagnostic reporting to make it more useful and accessibleto radiologists and other referring physicians. Additionally, patients would benefit from an innovative change that would facilitate the flow of communication between themselves and providers.
Next generation PACS have reporting capabilities that were previously unavailable on the market, including the opportunity to insert hyperlinks to key images and conduct health information exchange with a referring physicians’ electronic medical record software. Additionally, the updated equipment can facilitate the mobility of radiology, sending email notifications to a physician’s phone once the scans have been received.
Improving radiology reports helps to strengthen the relationship between health care providers from various backgrounds – radiology to pediatrics to orthopedics. Because PACS software now deliver reports electronically, comprehensive information can be transferred from one facility to the next without the need for traveling between medical centers. High-level reporting can also improve treatment options and the overall quality of patient care.
Providing basic templates
The Radiological Society of North America is doing its part, launching its radiology reporting initiative for physicians. The organization noted that the report is an essential part of the imaging services provided to patients and is a tool that documents procedures and records vital health information for future use by referring doctors. The program from the RSNA works to improve reporting practices by generating a library of templates for physicians to use and integrate all of the information collected during a digital imaging procedure.
The templates were designed with help from 12 subcommittees of experts from various fields of health care. Each one is free for use and not subject to any licensing restrictions. They allowdiagnostic imaging practices to meet accreditation criteria and improve communication with referring physicians.
Selecting the right PACS is a difficult choice, but the quality of radiology reporting is an important consideration underscored by the need for better communication among providers. For the continuum of care to succeed, physicians need to be able to seamlessly share patient health information to build strong working relationships for the betterment of patient care.
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Ronny Bachrach
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