Viztek Introduces Sophisticated New Features to Opal-RAD PACS at RSNA: Advanced Auto-Display, ID Conflict Management, Smart Card Reader, and Voice Rec.

Raleigh– Viztek, the comprehensive medical imaging solution provider, introduces to its family of Opal-RAD Web-based PACS solutions at RSNA 2009 a range of workflow-enhancing features that streamline multi-site reading and add new convenience to all radiology practices.

New at this year’s event is an innovative display management feature that intelligently learns a user’s preferences and presents exams accordingly without the  tedious setup processes required by most other PACS solutions. With this feature, for example, all MRI exams across acquisition devices from any vendor will display as the user desires with no manual intervention to disrupt workflow.  The PACS also automatically learns specific defaults within these standard displays for such factors as anatomic region and study description.  These preferences also may be set manually. 

To set a preference, radiologists simply rearrange an exam while reading, and preferred layout, WL, magnification and other viewing parameters are stored when the user closes the viewing window.   As new modalities are added the PACS will automatically analyze and add to the physician profile specific layout preferences for these new types of exams.  All profiles follow the user to any location and monitor configuration.

Also debuting at RSNA is an innovative patient identifier feature that will eliminate complications caused by duplicate patient ID numbers assigned to different patients imaged in different facilities.  Conflicting patient identifiers are a common problem for practices that read exams for multiple sites.  With this new feature, Opal-RAD will automatically identify and assign an exam with a duplicate identifier to an unassigned list, where technologists can then create a unique number and send the exam to the appropriate worklist for reading.

The new feature complements a range of similar sophisticated auto-save features that further enhance workflow by automatically memorizing such preferences as the choice of report transmission format and customized worklist protocols.

Of interest to all Opal-RAD users is a new Smart Card Reader, which relies on a radio frequency security card to seamlessly guide users through clearances and log them directly into their account.  Security cards are magnetically encoded with each user’s personal security information and allow them to log in easily to their accounts and access their user preferences, worklists and more.

“Opal-RAD is an advanced, feature-rich PACS available at a uniquely affordable price.  It supports facilities of all sizes and will even enable small, specialized practices to enjoy the benefits of full digital workflow, “said Steve Deaton, Vice President of Sales for Viztek.  “With these new features, Opal-RAD  enhances the performance of any radiology practice.  Our robust RIS solutions have been boosting the efficiency of small hospitals and clinics for several years. Now more than ever before, Viztek is offering imaging solutions with a core focus on workflow improvement, at price points that make sense.”

The Opal-RAD family of PACS solutions relies on web-based  thin-client architecture with advanced image streaming that delivers studies around the globe in real time utilizing any available internet connection.

Opal-RAD provides advanced image viewing and manipulation tools with full modality worklist functionality.  It seamlessly integrates radiology images, reports, RIS data and other software applications through industry standards such as DICOM, HL7 and IHE.  Opal-RAD is based on a  scalable architecture that makes adding new modalities, users and locations easy as a practice grows.

The advanced PACS also offers an optional fully integrated voice recognition system that delivers outstanding performance at an affordable price.  For enhanced accuracy and speed, the voice feature queries an SQL database for pertinent clinical information and intelligently selects the accurate memorized reporting phrase, rather than relying on simple, less accurate memorized text and macros.

All Opal-RAD applications download from a central server and turn any ordinary PC into a diagnostic workstation with advanced functionality.  Innovative image streaming speeds data over the Internet to users in increasing levels of resolution.  This enables  ultra-fast workflow as radiologists begin to read studies as data is being transmitted. Web-based from the ground up, Opal-RAD realizes the promise of fully filmless workflow and delivers the same familiar, customized work environment to users, wherever located.  With just  a web browser and digital connection, users can set up a digital reading room.

Specialized Opal-RAD packages are available to address the needs of diverse installations and the workflow of a full spectrum of  physicians, including orthopedists and chiropractors.  Opal-RAD’s unique streaming capabilities enable smaller facilities to send electronic images offsite without installing costly IT infrastructure.  The PACS  be purchased and configured with Viztek’s Opal-RIS for an ultra-affordable, comprehensive imaging solution.

About Viztek 

Viztek is a leading provider of complete digital software and hardware imaging solutions, backed by comprehensive training and support.  The company’s state-of-the-art Opal-RAD PACS and RIS suite delivers advanced connectivity and functionality at an affordable price.  Web-based architecture, with ultra-fast image streaming, ensures timely, efficient communications throughout the enterprise and beyond. With both advanced CR and DR technology, Viztek truly is a one-stop shop.

Since 1999, Viztek’s comprehensive line of solutions has addressed the needs of radiologists, with special emphasis on the small- to medium-hospital market, as well as medical specialists from orthopedists to chiropractors and podiatrists.  Viztek has more than 1500 CR and 700 PACS solutions installed worldwide.  For more information, visit www.viztek.net or call 1-800-366-5343. Viztek is a wholly owned subsidiary of 20/20 HealthCare.