Diagnostic Radiology Consultants - Chattanooga - TN- Case Study
CAD PRO® Advantage Digitizer Provides Mammography Workflow Solution for Innovative Radiology Practice. For more than 50 years, Diagnostic Radiology Consultants (DRC) has pioneered imaging services in the tri-state area of Tennessee, Georgia, and Alabama. The innovative group, including 11 radiologists at 12 sites, often is the first to offer emerging technologies that positively impact patients and physicians in the community, including the area’s first full-body CT scanner and first all-digital
outpatient imaging center.
In 2006. the practice expanded its women`s imaging services by installing full-field digital mammography (FFDM) at DRC Gunbarrel Road imaging center, complementing digital mammography offerings at several of its other sites. During the process. DRC had to address the need to view patients` prior film studies as part of the reading workflow, an important but often-overlooked issue. For DRC. a large portion of its prior studies were analog films coming from other facilities. DRC turned to VTDAR Systems Corporation for its film digitizing expertise, experience designing efficiency into the digital mammography workflow, and exceptional customer service. The center acquired VIDAR`s CAD PRO Advantage and ClinicalExpress® software to streamline the integration of mammography priors, maximizing the benefits of FFDM.
Benefits & Challenges of Digital Mammography
James Busch. M.D.. director of informatics at DRC. said there were several reasons to expand the practice`s FFDM offerings. "Digital mammography provides many benefits, including improved patient care, enhanced patient and staff satisfaction, as well as improved workflow and productivity." he said. `"Utilizing cutting-edge imaging technologies also is a prerequisite for recruiting talented radiologists and establishing referring physician partnerships."
Significant workflow* issues, however, arise from the need to review7 and compare current digital studies with prior analog films. Radiologists have limited time for reading exams, and the need to move or shift attention from a digital workstation to a lightbox is cumbersome and time-consuming, creating a less-than-ideal clinical environment that may adversely impact diagnostic accuracy. There also are important cost and resource considerations, such as the staff time needed to retrieve and hang film.
"Analog priors diminish the benefits of digital imaging." Dr. Busch said. "Digitizing prior studies eliminates the need for cumbersome, distracting `dual reading" environments. Facilities should address this critical workflow issue in the planning stages so they can maximize digital workflow from day one."
Key Benefits
- Address mammography workflow issues
- Achieve high-quality digital mammography priors
- Eliminate cumbersome "dual-reading" environment
- Improve radiologist & staff productivity
- Improve patient & staff satisfaction
- Maximize the benefits of FFDM
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