Are referring doctors ready for enterprise and community wide immediate image and report access?

At most medical centers film-based radiology requires that single or multiple copies of patient exams and reports be distributed for results communication. A successful picture archiving and communication system (PACS) should provide a means to improve upon this inefficient paradigm, with universal access to imagery and exam results on demand at the user's convenience. Enterprise and community-wide experience with universal PACS access is reviewed.

PACS in private practice--effect on profits and productivity.

Picture archiving and communication systems (PACS) must be cost effective and productive to be successful. Referring physician and radiologist surveys, return on investment, and change in technical FTE productivity is evaluated. Referring physicians nearly unanimously prefer PACS over film, with productivity improvements claimed by 91%.