Archive for the ‘Veterinary Health’ Category
Case Study: animERge
Wednesday, May 4th, 2011
aniMerge Converts PACS Platform to Medstrat Echoes
An Interview with Dr. Dean Newton, animERge 24/7 Animal Emergency
1) Was there a particular problem or opportunity that motivated your interest in switching your digital images to a new PACS platform?
Our previous system maintenance and service became progressively more problematic as the accessibility of knowledgeable consultants became scarce. The time zone difference was also frustrating.
2) What were the most important decision-making factors when you investigated new PACS platforms?
- More options for system upgrade
- Completely open and helpful staff throughout the transition
- Compatibility
- DICOM conformance with industry standards
- Long-term support and service
- Future of proprietary systems
3) How did you justify the price?
Certainly costs, are a significant concern, however the fees for our conversion were competitive and fair and I believe it will prove less expensive than others in the long run if only from the standpoint of service and support.
4) What was the most difficult part of the transition from your old PACS to the new PACS?
Our main difficulty was coordinating the study transfer from our previous archive to the replacement [Network Attached Storage] NAS. Communication between the previous vendor and our IT person was greatly facilitated by Kane. While there has been a learning curve, Kane has been available for training at our convenience, has provided webinars and has been thorough with support and operational questions.
5) What improvements have you experienced since the transition?
With Echoes, we now have additional viewing options, the interface is intuitive, and the images are excellent.
6) Advice to others: If you had to do it again, what would you do differently?
There is a silver lining in every cloud; had we not had support issues with our previous provider, we may have delayed the decision to transition to a PACS until after image studies were irretrievably lost.
My suggestion to others would be to actively monitor archival studies and determine for themselves whether or not they are available and safely stored. Look to update your PACS proactively to assure a smooth transition, and consider your options at the first sign of support issues with your current vendor. Also, try to anticipate compatibility with any expected practice management software changes in the next five to ten years.
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animERge is a 12 doctor, 24/7 Animal Emergency and Specialty Care practice in New Jersey.
PACS Profile
PACS profiles are graphical descriptions of the network components installed to streamline image acquisition to a virtual file room to virtual viewboxes:
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Location, Location, Location
Saturday, September 18th, 2010
Check out the location this veterinary practice has in Monte Carlo!
There’s probably some insulation from economic downturns with multi-million dollar yachts outside the front door to your practice. 
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Digital Artifacts
Tuesday, March 23rd, 2010
I wanted to recommend this article to anyone looking into digital x-ray or has digital x-ray and wants to learn more about this topic:
Digital radiographic artifacts
| I found it on dvm360media.com |
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