MDNews - Central New York

Technological Offerings Inspired by the need for a more accessible location for Crouse Radiology Associates' imaging services and contin- ued collaboration between the practice's radiologists and Crouse Hospital, the new facility will offer a wide array of services. The new location will offer multiple modalities of computed tomography (CT) scans, breast imaging, ultrasound, bone density testing (DXA) and general X-rays. Crouse Radiology Associates cur- rently has an imaging center next door at 5008 Brittonfield Parkway offering services such as CT, positron emission tomography–computed tomography (PET/CT), nuclear medicine testing, X-rays, ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and interventional radiology procedures. The combined imaging capabilities at these locations will provide patients with access to a comprehensive spectrum of testing within close proximity. Access to a wide array of subspecialists through Crouse Radiology Associates has many benefits, not the least of which is the ability for the right physician to see a patient's study. Several of Crouse Radiology Associates' board-certified radiologists who will provide services at the new location are additionally qualified in subspecialties such as neuroradiology, breast imaging and body imaging. Images are sent to the radiologist with the most experience and expertise in the applicable subspecialty, which allows for a higher level of accuracy in analysis. For example, the wealth of experience among dedicated mammography readers has resulted in excellent cancer detec- tion rates with minimal callbacks for additional imaging. This reduces both the patient stress and cost, resulting in better quality mammography services. The PACS System In addition to the wide array of imaging capabilities available at the new loca- tion, Crouse Radiology Associates jointly operates the picture archiving and com- munication system (PACS) with Crouse Hospital. Radiologists have real-time access to any digital image that is uploaded onto the system. The digital images can be manipulated to provide more information and greater detail. This system allows radiologists who may be off-site to study patient scans and images within seconds of a test's completion. The current PACS system along with voice-recognition technology and elec- tronic medical records gives referring physicians rapid access to diagnostic images and test results. For convenient referrals, physicians can call and schedule a specific exam or provide their patients with a written script that allows the patient immediate attention. Many imaging exams that previously required a trip to the downtown Syracuse Crouse Hospital campus can now be obtained in Crouse Radiology Associates' convenient new location. A number of physicians already have offices either in the facility or near the new site. The imaging facility is a key component of a comprehensive medical facility already including internal medicine, neurol- ogy, otolaryngology, eye care and lab pathology services. ATop 25 Connected Healthcare Facility In 2010, Health Imaging & IT magazine named Crouse Hospital one of its "Top 25 Connected Healthcare Facilities." This honor is bestowed upon facilities that "seamlessly integrate imaging and infor- mation technology (IT) systems, provide physicians with immediate, anywhere CRA provides on-site ultrasound services in a comfortable setting. access to patient data and demonstrate high patient and staff satisfaction." Of more than 50 applicants, Crouse Hospital was the sole New York hospital recognized with this honor. The Crouse Radiology Associates PACS system played an integral role in attaining the honor. institution, but with the accessibility and responsiveness of a customer-oriented private practice." "We are a large radiology practice with subspecialty experience comparable to that of an academic — Scott Buckingham, M.D., radiologist at Crouse Radiology Associates MDNEWS.COM ■ MD NEWS Central New York | 7 Guido Scatorchia, M.D., interprets subspecialty studies.

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