To provide advanced diagnostic treatment for its patients, Blue Hill Memorial Hospital (BHMH) is now using the Picture Archiving and Communications System (PACS) in its Diagnostic Imaging Department. The PACS is a computer network dedicated to the storage, retrieval, and simultaneous distribution and presentation of digital diagnostic images. These networks allow access to the same information – instantly – in different locations regionally.
The EMHS PACS network links Blue Hill to other members of EMHS: Eastern Maine Medical Center (Bangor), Inland Hospital (Waterville), Charles A. Dean Memorial Hospital (Greenville), Sebasticook Valley Hospital (Pittsfield) and The Aroostook Medical Center (Presque Isle). It connects BHMH to the following non-affiliated healthcare facilities as well: First MRI (formerly MRI Associates, Bangor), Open MRI of Bangor, Mayo Regional Hospital (Dover-Foxcroft), Penobscot Valley Hospital (Lincoln), St. Joseph Hospital (Bangor) and Penobscot Community Health Center (Bangor).
“The addition of PACS gives Blue Hill Memorial Hospital patients a huge advantage in the quality of their care,” says Steve Votey, Diagnostic Imaging Manager. “Because more than one physician or clinician within the network can simultaneously examine a patient’s digital x-rays or scans (with the exception of mammography, which we hope to add in the future), providers can reach a diagnosis - together, instantly.”
Another significant advantage of PACS is that all digital images from diagnostic exams performed at an EMHS facility are stored electronically at Eastern Maine Medical Center in Bangor, and can be retrieved by an authorized PACS network facility or physician for a quick review, or comparison with previous exams, to check for any changes that have occurred in a patient’s history. “This is especially important in determining if an existing disease or condition is responding to treatment,” explains Votey, “or if a new disease or condition is present.”
PACS images are stored, retrieved, distributed and presented without breach of patient confidentiality. “In accordance with national HIPPA regulations, access to patient images is restricted only to individuals with confidential clearance from EMHS and requires individual user IDs and passwords,” confirms Votey. “The PACS network and those authorized to access it are strictly monitored by the EMHS Information Systems Department to ensure that no unauthorized use occurs.”
Dr. Richard Seger, Medical Director of Imaging at BHMH believes PACS is rapidly becoming a standard of quality care in Radiology Departments across the country. “PACS improves our patient care, providing higher quality medical images that can be transferred faster and stored more reliably, compared to previous systems,” he states. “Now we have immediate access to patients’ radiology exams. In an emergency situation this can be life-saving.”
Blue Hill Memorial Hospital and its physician practices are dedicated to providing primary and selected specialty healthcare of outstanding quality, caring for our patients with respect and compassion, and improving the health of the communities we serve. |
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