Filmless Radiology [Paperback]

This book examines the use of state-of-the-art technology to achieve filmless radiology, describing its impact on healthcare systems and providing valuable insights into reengineering healthcare. Sharing expertise developed in implementing Picture Archival and Communications System (PACS) technology capable of supporting filmless radiology, it relates experiences at the Baltimore Veterans Administration Medical Center (VAMC), the first site to have a fully operational filmless radiology system. The book will provide an overview of filmless radiology with advice on acquiring PAC systems. Also included are sections on its impact on the practice of radiology and the delivery of health care (filmless radiology is central to teleradiology), clinical uses of computed radiography, technological issues, and case studies from both inside and outside the VA system.Virtually all radiologists and healthcare administrators believe that every radiology department will be utilizing the cutting edge technology of PACS (Picture Archival and Communications System) in the future. Filmless Radiology is the first clinically oriented book to fully describe PACS and its impact on the cost and quality of patient care.Radiologist, medical physicists, physicians, nurses, and technologists will use it as a valuable source when navigating the transition from conventional to filmless systems. Radiology and hospital administrators will find it an indispensable tool for planning, justifying and purchasing a PACS. Computer system specialists, as well as biomedical engineers, will learn detailed and technical practical information about utilizing a PACS, and the networks and communication protocols required for successful operation. Students of all healthcare professions, engineering, and law will gain a comprehensive overview of the current state of art in medical digital imaging.Filmless Radiology chronicles the clinical and administrative experience acquired over the past several years by early lãÞ