Is Your PACS Leaving You Needing More?
There is a debate going on regarding the efficiencies found in traditional PACS vs.
cloud PACS. Let’s take a look at what separates the two.
First off, traditional PACS uses local storage to archive patient images and data. This means that the facilities own servers, hard drives, etc., are used to share, access and store files. The cloud PACS method stores everything off site. Everything is accessed through the Internet, and patient data can be streamed from the cloud as needed. There are several advantages to the cloud based method, the two most commonly cited are related to cost savings and image availability – nearly 100 percent uptime.
Traditional PACS store data in the hospital’s hardware. All the equipment needed to operate the PACS and gain access to images are located in-house. This gives owners complete control over the system, the information and everything else related to PACS. While it’s convenient, the facility maintains all working functions and assumes responsibility for any data that might be compromised. In a cloud-based model, everything is in a virtual environment. The vendor is responsible for all upgrades and maintenance and assumes responsibility for security.
Access is increasingly an issue that healthcare providers grapple with under their traditional PACS. Anyone who wants access has to log into the PACS server and be working from a station with the right hardware and software. It’s a limiting model where access to imaging can be a major roadblock. With a cloud-based PACS, providers only need an Internet connection and no specific hardware or software to view the images.
Cloud PACS have traditional PACS beat in disaster recovery – by a long shot. While a traditional PACS has several back-up options, nothing is going to stop a hurricane from wiping out all of the data. With a cloud-based solution, the data is backed up at multiple data centers located in different geographical locations, which means an electrical storm that wipes out a center in one part of the country has no effect on data stored elsewhere.
Cost is a major issue with providers, especially those in rural areas. Few critical care facilities have the budget necessary to build server rooms and pay for expensive PACS with all the bells and whistles. With cloud PACS, you only pay for what you use. There is no need to make massive capital purchases – all the equipment is bought and paid for by the vendor.
The benefit of having a traditional PACS is that there is almost always offline access to information and the owner has total control over the PACS. However, cloud PACS offer better interoperability, better imaging sharing in real time, built in disaster recovery solutions and a more collaborative architecture.
Looking for a cloud PACS vendor with excellent services and low prices? Contact OffSite Image Management, Inc., today.