Finding a singular technological partner and platform for a network of hospitals and facilities is never easy. But that’s just what Sinai Health System, a Chicago-based non-profit health system comprised of seven member organizations, set out to do. The group has accomplished its mission with the selection of Merge for itsvendor-neutral archive (VNA), image sharing and picture archiving communication systems (PACS), as well as its cardiology information management and hemodynamics solution.
The objective, according to both parties, is to improve workflow while reducing overall costs for the entire health system.
“When we acquired Holy Cross Hospital, it became clear that we needed to find an imaging management solution that enables us to run on asingle platform across our health system,” said Peter Ingram, vice president and CIO of Sinai Health System.
Sinai Health System selected Merge to replace several end-of-life software systems as well as prepare for Meaningful Use Stage 2 attestation. In order to create an integrated imaging environment, the following technologies will be implemented, including:
— iConnect(R) Enterprise Clinical Platform for interoperable image viewing, sharing and archiving across the enterprise at the point of care to enhance patient care and strengthen referral networks.
— Merge PACS(TM) to read, review, archive and share images and reports from a single location in real time, improving interactions with radiologists and referring physicians.
— Merge Cardio(TM) for easy access and management to a patient’s integrated cardiovascular record for streamlined reporting and distribution with an intuitive framework. In addition, Merge Cardio automates the capture of charges to speed reimbursement.
— Merge Hemo(TM), ranked number one by KLAS, to automate cath lab data collection, analysis and reporting processes for easy integration into an electronic health record (EHR).
“At the end of the day, we want to provide a system that radiologists, cardiologists and referring physicians are happy to use, while helping support a more efficient workflow,” said Ingram.
