Baptist Medical Center Nassau Paperless, Now Filmless, Too

Fernandina Beach, Florida, February 7, 2007 -- Baptist Medical Center Nassau, which converted from paper to electronic medical records last summer, has now supplemented its sophisticated digital technology with the Picture Archive Communications System (PACS) in the radiology department. PACS eliminates the use of films and light boards that have been standard in radiology departments for decades.

PACS refers to a computer network used to capture, store, distribute and display medical images electronically on computer screens. It offers significant advantages over the previous system for radiologists, referring physicians and patients.

"We can read images sooner because there is no film to develop," says Baptist Nassau radiologist Harris Freed, MD. "This means referring doctors have reports faster, which they can view online and review with patients in their offices. If there are questions or concerns, they call us and we can discuss the image on the phone while looking at it together -- even if we're miles apart."

Unlike film pictures, PACS images are instantly available online whenever and wherever needed, 24 hours a day. There's no hunting through files, transporting bulky X-rays to distant locations, and keeping track of the films' whereabouts. "It makes a huge difference," Freed adds.

"Its main value is the ability to have several people looking at an image at the same time. If I have a patient in the Emergency Center with an injured ankle, I can review the X-rays immediately with a radiologist and an orthopaedic surgeon to determine the best course of treatment," says David Murray, MD, chief of the hospital's medical staff.

Images are stored on highly secure master and backup computers, but they can also be stored on CD-ROMs or sent to physicians who are not part of the system. According to hospital Administrator Jim Mayo, FACHE, privacy of patient data is carefully protected: no one can access a record unless he or she has been issued a secure login and password.

PACS also has tools that can enhance image quality. Radiologists can enlarge, brighten and sharpen images to get a better view of suspicious areas. This means fewer repeats may be needed. With no film to process and less paper to deal with, patient flow can be managed more efficiently: exam times can be scheduled sooner and appointment times decrease.

All MRI, X-rays, CT scans, ultrasound and nuclear medicine procedures performed at Baptist Nassau now use the Randy Sag, MD. "When new mammography equipment arrives this spring, this will be digital too. We currently use mammography units in two different locations here. When the new system is up and running, we expect to consolidate in one area. Exams will be faster so a second machine may not be needed."

PACS images become part of the patient's electronic medical record, so all important data on his or her health history and condition is easily accessible to critical members of the care team. Patients can request CDs with their images to keep in home files. If they are from out-of-town, change doctors, want a second opinion or move away, they can bring their CD along, saving time, hassle and health care costs.

"Patient charges for copies of images will be greatly reduced with PACS," says Jerrie Moore, Radiology director. "We can provide the patient's entire procedure on one CD, rather than printing five to 12 sheets of film. Also, film storage consumes a tremendous amount of space in our department that can now be used for patient care."

According to Mayo, although start-up costs are high, roughly one million dollars, the system should pay for itself many times over in improved and more efficient service. "We're already seeing savings since going paperless in July. For example, monthly photocopy paper and toner costs have dropped by 50%."

"Doing things electronically is much better for physicians and patients," he says. "It's also better for the environment. Radiation exposure is reduced when image quality increases because fewer images are needed, and harsh chemicals needed to develop films will not be released in wastewater."

Along with the new equipment, the hospital is remodeling the Radiology Department to offer patients a more streamlined, comfortable and efficient reception and registration process. It should all be in place in the next few months.