Web-Based Information Sharing
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InSiteOne Inc, Wallingford, Conn, introduces InDex® Link as a new offering to its InDex suite of services. InDex Link allows users to directly share patient examinations across multiple health care providers and all PACS digital imaging and communications in medicine (DICOM) platforms. Information sharing through InDex bridges Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA)-compliant systems via the DICOM exchange. Secure transmissions do not require re-archiving of studies and are completely controlled by the end user; InSiteOne acts as the HIPAA business partner for each organization. (800) 441-0091; www.insiteone.com.
Multifunction Web-based RIS
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RIS Concepts Inc, Miami, introduces its Web-based radiology information system (RIS). This new system provides a cross-vendor integrated worklist with the ability to combine data from an unlimited number of PACS manufacturers. The browser-based application supports a complete range of RIS features, including real-time scheduling, workflow, dictation, transcription, patient demographics, scanning and HL7 integration into PACS, and billing. It also enables Web-based communications with referring physicians for connectivity to scheduling information, radiology reports and images, patient status, and other documents. (866) 279-6394; www.risconcepts.com.
Workflow Software
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AMICAS Inc, Boston, has acquired the licensing and worldwide distribution rights to RadStream, a software product designed to accelerate workflow as well as improve soft-copy reading productivity and communication through a multifactorial prioritization algorithm. The software was designed and developed by the Radiology Informatics Research Core at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center in collaboration with researchers at the University of Cincinnati College of Business. AMICAS plans to commercially offer the software in the second half of 2006 as a stand-alone product, then as a fully integrated program in its Vision Series PACS. (800) 490-8465; www.amicas.com.
Financing Programs
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Agfa HealthCare, Ridgefield Park, NJ, introduces two flexible financing programs: IMPAX OnLine and Pinnacle. IMPAX OnLine is an acquisition plan that transfers the financial responsibility of PACS ownership from a health care facility to Agfa through a pay-per-examination subscription service. Agfa assumes responsibility for all server and storage hardware, and the company guarantees the PACS configuration. All images are stored for the life of the contract on spinning disc. Pinnacle is a program that updates a facility’s current PACS technology, frees up capital dollars, and creates a predictable operational model to refresh existing hardware and software. Agfa will buy back an existing PACS and use the transaction to maximize a facility’s needs. (864) 421-1600; www.agfa.com.
Workstation Software
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Intelerad Medical Systems, Montreal, announces that its INTELEVIEWER Workstation software will be released in mid-2006 as a standalone product. This diagnostic workstation software features full DICOM support, including DICOM query/retrieve, store, and print (supporting presentation state key images), and it runs on a standard Windows-based PC workstation. It offers a complete range of viewer functionality, including thumbnail display, cine, linked stacking, multiplanar reconstruction (MPR), annotations and measurements, key image creation, and one-click CD burning. (514) 931-6222; www.intelerad.com
CD/DVD Recording Systems
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Sorna Corp, Eagan, Minn, introduces the eXpedo XR™ and the eXpedo XRP™ CD/DVD recording systems with a new design that integrates a disc burner, computer server, control panel, and display monitor. Both are Web-enabled for remote operation, and also can be operated using a built-in control panel and liquid crystal display (LCD). They are completely automated and networked to record, label, and manage the production of DICOM medical-quality discs containing diagnostic procedures and related reports for referring physicians. Features include customizable workflow profiles, query and build functionality, anonymization, and eXpedo back-up options. (866) 767-6226, ext 202; www.sorna.com.
Laptop-Size Ultrasound
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GE Healthcare, Waukesha, Wis, has introduced four new clinically specialized ultrasound systems designed for real-time imaging at the point of care. The new models include Voluson i, designed for obstetric and gynecologic applications; LOGIQ i, to serve the general imaging needs of radiology; LOGIQ e, designed with the speed requirements and imaging applications necessary to support emergency and surgical settings; and Vivid e, providing a dedicated cardiac ultrasound imaging solution designed for the physician office. Voluson i, LOGIQ e, and Vivid e systems are FDA cleared and commercially available in June 2006. LOGIQ i also is FDA cleared with plans for commercial introduction in September 2006. (800) 558-5120; www.gehealthcare.com.
Multimedia Creators
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TDK Medical, Mount Prospect, Ill, offers DICOM Media Creator (DMC) systems for recording patient images and reports on medical-grade CD and DVD recording material. The DICOM system can receive studies directly from the modalities, store on a local hard drive, and record studies to the media with a custom label printed directly on the CD or DVD surface. The DMC-200 features an embedded, network-ready PC, and it can record 80 discs per day. (847) 795-2190; www.tdkmedical.com.
