Carestream Health implemented a CARESTREAM PACS and six multi-modality breast imaging
workstations at Park Nicollet Jane Brattain Breast Center (St. Louis Park, Minn.) in which was converted to an efficient, all-digital workflow.
With five locations that see 400 patients a day, these new systems significantly improved the radiologists’ productivity and the center is now able to offer same day reporting for all diagnostic and screening exams. Unlike the past, reports on screening exams from remote clinics often took several days. "Creating a smooth mammography workflow is complicated because of the diverse modalities now used for breast imaging. The CARESTREAM PACS offers an exceptional workflow through its smooth integration with existing RIS, VR and CAD systems and its superior toolset for mammography reading," said Kathy Wilson, Supervisor of the Breast Center. The PACS is integrated with the center's RIS, PowerScribe® and CADstream® for MRI systems. "Radiologists log in once and have instant electronic access to patient history as well as prior imaging exams and reports. They can elect to use structured reporting from the RIS or dictate their findings," she explains.
The mammography tools delivered by the PACS and the multi-modality workstations are what Radiologists appreciate most, according to Wilson. "These workstations allow our radiologists to read exams from all modalities and vendors at a single workstation, which is a huge advantage. Prior exams are delivered with the current exam and hanging protocols are personalized for each radiologist to ensure maximum productivity. In addition the workstation's innovative hand-held controller reduces hand movements and delivers better ergonomics," adding “The PACS workstation also "right-sizes" studies so they display correctly whether they are coming from GE or Hologic FFDM systems to add further convenience.”