How Deconstructed PACS Can Help You Overcome Image Management Challenges

PACSWithin the imaging informatics industry, few topics are brought up more today than deconstructed PACS, and that means there is a lot of controversy to go with it. For those firmly rooted in their traditional PACS architecture, the changes facing the technology are nothing short of disruptive. However, there is much to be gained by transforming the way we think of image management today.

Revenue flow in imaging IT is largely affected by a new PACS model. This most likely begins when looking at the different functions a traditional PACS does and seeing what can be made more independent where vendor neutral action can be taken with each element.

The typical deconstructed PACS consists of four main elements:

  • Image management and archiving
  • Diagnostic and clinic viewing
  • Enterprise workflow
  • Imaging analytics

The perception is that PACS in all its deconstructed glory includes a little more hype than what is actually called for. However, never mistake this for some sort of gimmick, or that it is a conspiracy of sorts being led by only a handful of powerful industry consultants. There is plenty of frustration with the way PACS are currently working to justify a new, deconstructed approach to image management.

The providers in the U.S. market have entered the early adoption phase of the new model. Some of the larger providers have been the first to jump on the deconstruction bandwagon. These are multi-PACS environments where intense strategies have been developed to improve operability and integration. So, what’s driving this adoption?

It seems that most of the early adopters of the technology have an IT mandate for more vendor-independence, which will prevent them from getting locked into a vendor that will charge big money for any data that needs to be migrated, or for add-ons to their system that will only work if they are from that specific vendor.

The deployment of a deconstructed PACS is important because doing it wrong means the results will not be optimal. It takes good governance, hitting equally on all the important points, like clinical and operational, and keeping all the IT staff on the same page. In fact, the best results as of yet are those where IT and radiology partner to find the balance and the best strategies for deployment.

At OffSite Image Management, Inc., we’ve established a deconstructed PACS model that will work with any sized hospital or clinic. In fact, we focus on those rural providers who are often left in the dust when it comes to advanced technology. We’ll save you money while putting you in direct contact with industry-leading technology that will enhance your workflow. Contact us today and let’s talk about how we can assist you.