Issue link: https://viewer.e-digitaledition.com/i/37373
SPECIAL FEATURE studies, which helps them stay abreast of changes in the patient’s condition. “PACS allows us to link digital images with patient information,” says Mark Franklin, M.D., radiologist at CRA. “When I render an opinion on a CT scan or ultrasound, I am able to attach the digital images and my opinion to the patient’s electronic file. All information from previous studies is also in this file, so if I want to pull up a study performed two years ago to see if there has been a change, I can do so within a matter of seconds. Previously, we would have had to go to our storage area and pull stored films, which could have taken several days. Now, I have access to stored files at my fingertips.” “CRA makes every effort to maxi- mize available IT services, which enhances patient care,” adds Scott Buckingham, M.D., managing partner at CRA. “Through the implementation of regional PACS, we have been able to provide comprehensive image inter- pretation — including comparisons to previous studies or studies performed at off-site locations — while ensur- ing a rapid turnaround time. It also allows us to put both the images and our interpretations in the offices of referring practices for more effective consultation.” Enhancing Referring Physician Convenience At CRA, PACS is connected to a voice dictation system, which decreases turn- around time by allowing physicians to quickly and efficiently dictate final reports. If the referring physician who ordered the imaging study has access to electronic health records (EHR), the transcribed report and images can be uploaded directly to the patient’s EHR for immediate access. If an EHR system is not available, the report can be sent to the physician’s remote printer or fax as soon as dictation is complete. In addition to PACS and voice rec- ognition software, CRA also utilizes a radiology information system, which is fully integrated with PACS. Providing SERVICES AVAILABLE AT CRA THE FULL SPECTRUM of imaging modalities is offered through Crouse Radiology Associates Medical Imaging (CRA). They include: + Bone mineral density testing using dual energy X-ray absorptiometry + Breast MRI and breast ultrasound, including breast biopsy + CT angiography + CT scanning + Interventional radiology, including biopsy, GI and GU procedures, stent placement and uterine artery embolization schedulers with electronic access to the schedules for all CRA locations, staff can accommodate physician referrals in a manner that will best meet patients’ needs while keeping convenience and satisfaction a top priority. “If a physician calls and a patient needs a CT scan, for example, we can look at the schedules for all locations within our enterprise and refer them to an appropriate location for expedi- ent service,” says Rudy. “In addition, someone is always available to take calls, and our scheduling staff is sensi- tive to the needs of referring physicians and their patients, making every effort to accommodate requests in a timely, professional manner.” To learn more about services and technologies available through CRA, visit www.cramedicalimaging.com. n The CRA IT team poses with network and server equipment. Deanine Angotti, PA, assists a patient on CRA’s Philips Gemini PET/CT scanner. The CRA Information Technology Department, L-R (seated) Steve Salisbury, network administrator; Mary Ann Drumm, CRA CEO; L-R (standing) Colleen Rudy, IT Director; Anthony Bottari, administrator, RIS/PACS; Tess Pagano, systems support + Mammography + MR angiography + MRI + Musculoskeletal radiology + Neuroradiology + Nuclear medicine + PET + SPECT/CT scanning + Ultrasound + X-ray