Get Past Proprietary Issues With a VNA Solution
Vendor neutral archiving (VNA) is quickly becoming much more than what many thought it would
originally be. Most providers were simply looking for a medial image storage solution when they brought in their VNA solution, and that’s what they got, plus something a little extra. Today, as VNA evolves, it is becoming an important part of the workflow process.
Some healthcare providers want to have their VNA solution onsite, which is prohibitive to smaller facilities with tighter budgets due to the fact that installing it onsite takes a great amount of resources and expertise. However, what’s emerging as a go-to solution that avoids the resources and expertise dilemma is going with cloud-based VNA solutions.
Providers that have chosen the cloud-based VNA solution have found that they reduce capital expenses and the need for extra IT personnel to effectively maintain and operate the hardware and software involved in an on-premise solution. Furthermore, they’re finding flexibility and scalability on top of the cost savings.
Organization-generated data is something some providers have a problem with when it comes to loosening their grip, which makes them reluctant to send it off to be managed by a third party at a distant data center. However, vendors using Level IV data centers are able to offer top security measures that keep the information out of the wrong hands.
Leaving the management of the data up to a third party means business continuity and disaster recovery protocols are handled professionally by IT professionals outside the clinic or hospital. This can offer a huge boost to image availability/uptime. Another big perk to going with a cloud-based VNA solution is that the ability to share the images with other departments and other facilities increases dramatically because there are no proprietary roadblocks.
The unfortunate victim of the evolution of technology is often the small player – the critical access hospitals and rural providers that need the technology but don’t have the human resources or budgets to implement it. This is another reason the best vendors are pulling in more and more rural clients – they are able to offer them VNA solutions without the costs associated with capital expenses. Also, the best vendors offer a scalable solution, which means the client only pays for what they need.
When you look for a VNA solution, choose one that will allow you to work with all DICOM formats and will store a complete suite of DICOM SOP classes. Furthermore, make sure the solution supports the most inclusive DICOM query/retrieve specification. Some vendors have a different definition of what VNA is, but if you’re able to get the above items and the ability to handle ADT updates to image files stored in the archive, you’re getting what is known as “true” VNA.
OffSite Image Management, Inc. has developed 360-degree solutions around VNA technology. We are giving critical access hospitals and rural clinics access to an industry-leading solution without the cost most often associated with such technology. In fact, OffSite can guarantee savings. Contact us today and find out how.