Word of the Day: PACS

Word of the Day Daily updates on the latest technology terms | October 15, 2018 PACS PACS (picture archiving and communication system) is a medical imaging technology used primarily in healthcare organizations to securely store and digitally transmit electronic images and clinically-relevant reports. The use of PACS eliminates the need to manually file and store, retrieve and send sensitive information, films and reports. Instead, medical documentation and images can be securely housed in off-site servers and safely accessed essentially from anywhere in the world using PACS software, workstations and mobile devices. PACS has four major components: hardware imaging machines; a secure network for the distribution and exchange of patient images; a workstation or mobile device for viewing, processing and interpreting images; and electronic archives for storing and retrieving images and related documentation and reports. Medical imaging storage technologies such as PACS are increasingly important as the volume of digital medical images grows throughout the healthcare industry and data analytics of those images becomes more prevalent. PACS has four main uses. The technology: replaces the need for hard-copy films and management of physical archives. allows for remote access, enabling clinicians in different physical locations to review the same data simultaneously. offers an electronic platform for images interfacing with other medical automation systems such as a hospital information system (HIS), electronic health record (EHR), and radiology information system (RIS). allows radiologists and other radiology and medical personnel to manage the workflow of patient exam   While radiologists have predominately used PACS -- radiology traditionally being the most prolific producer of X-ray images -- PACS technologies have been incorporated into other departments, such as nuclear medicine imaging, cardiology, pathology, oncology and dermatology. Having digital access to the most updated version of a patient's medical images, clinical reports and history can expedite and improve care, lessening the likelihood of treatment and prescription errors and preventing redundant testing. Digital access can also improve patient safety and save both the healthcare facility and the patient time and money. Continue reading... Quote of the Day "With a PACS, a healthcare provider can access patient information or medical images essentially from anywhere in the world and review the most up-to-date scans and reports almost instantly." - Megan Charles Trending Terms DICOM electronic health record radiology information system vendor neutral archive personal health record telepathology Learning Center How hospitals are using the cloud for medical image storage As the amount of medical imaging data continues to grow, many healthcare organizations are turning to the cloud for their medical image storage needs. The current state of PACS software and where it goes from here Many healthcare organizations are still using PACS software for their medical imaging needs. However, the technology is changing due in no small part to the introduction of the cloud as a backup or replacement for on-premises systems. HPE 3PAR StoreServ all-flash fixes hospital's image problems An Illinois health provider won an HPE 3PAR StoreServ 8450 all-flash array as part of a vendor-sponsored contest. The all-flash storage provides a flash cache to load radiology images faster. A look at the leading medical imaging software on the market Learn about the leading medical imaging software and how these products help blend old and new tech to promote collaborative healthcare environments. What makes up a medical imaging system? Learn about the technology that makes up a medical imaging system and see how it all helps healthcare organizations create, store and share medical images. Quiz Yourself Risk analysis is a _________ component of the HIPAA Security Rule because it allows an entity to target its main security loopholes and deficiencies. A. incisive B. decisive Answer Stay in Touch For feedback about any of our definitions or to suggest a new definition, please contact me at: mrouse@techtarget.com Visit the Word of the Day Archives and catch up on what you've missed! FOLLOW US About This E-Newsletter This e-newsletter is published by the TechTarget network. To unsubscribe from Whatis.com, click here. Please note, this will not affect any other subscriptions you have signed up for. TechTarget, Whatis, 275 Grove Street, Newton, MA 02466. Contact: webmaster@techtarget.com Copyright 2018 TechTarget. All rights reserved.