Kane X-ray’s service team has added the new all-in-one, multi-function meter – RTI’s Piranha.

The Piranha is one of the most sophisticated test meters available and is built to assure a calibration service has the most accurate results.  It is an extremely sensitive detector, capable of measuring on even low-output mini C-arms and Mammography.

Powered by bluetooth connectivity and RTI’s Ocean software – Kane’s service team can perform important x-ray calibrations of mA, mAs, Time, kVp, Linearty, Reproducibility, Half-Value Layer (HVL), Collimator LUX, as well as others in a timely and precise manner.

“Kane X-ray has made this unprecedented investment in our technology to ensure our customer’s equipment stays not only in regulatory compliance, but also is the most accurate imaging equipment in the region,” said Jake Thompson, Kane’s CEO.  “We get that our customers depend on their equipment to diagnose and treat health concerns, therefore the quality of the image has to be as perfect as we can get it.  The Piranha means our calibration service is one of the most accurate in the area now.  Plus it’s very cool.”

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.

***

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:

1. Downtime - downtime is the most costly line item of any imaging department. It costs revenue, staff time, and even professional goodwill with customers.  Even when downtime is corrected quickly the loss of that 1 or 2 hours can still be costly.  Of course in some cases it would be nice if downtime only last 1-2 hours.  We’ve heard nightmare stories from some clients of their digital x-ray system being down for days.  Days!

A key component of a digital service contract is routine maintenance.  The function of routine maintenance is proactive or preventative – as in preventing downtime before it happens.  Assessing potentials risks, eliminating points of failure, and proactively replacing wear and tear parts are part of a comprehensive service contract – if your existing contract does not offer Preventative Maintenance, Kane No Surprises does.

2. Poor Response Time (or “Your call is very important to us”) – When a digital x-ray system is down – you need to talk with someone immediately.  Being on hold or fighting phone trees only adds to the frustration.

Take the Kane challenge and see if this scenario applies to you.

3. Onsite Repair – While there is a computer component to digital x-ray these systems can’t always be fixed remotely.  Without local repair staff, remote companies can sometimes ask clinic staff to physically repair or replace major components (like exposure switches) on your digital x-ray system – this can be dangerous (some x-ray components have high voltage on them!).  There’s no substitute for local, onsite repair service.

4. Acquisition Computer Hardware Failure – computer hardware is cheap compared to digital x-ray system downtime.  Hot swappable computer hardware with all of your acquisition software and custom settings pre-loaded can be available on site for less than $1,000.  If the acquisition PC goes down, wouldn’t it be nice to simply plug in the hot spare and be up and running in minutes?  No Surprises programs proactively suggest this course of action and Kane can set this up at no additional charge.

5. Finger Pointing – When the digital x-ray vendor says “it’s the x-ray machine” and the x-ray service company says “no, it’s the digital sensor” – what’s a practice owner to do?  Kane handles service on multiple vendor digital x-ray systems and PACS – one call, no passing the buck.