What is a Picture Archiving and Communications System?
A pacs is an abbreviation for Picture Archiving and Communications System. According to Merida Johns, PhD, RHIA, it is “an integrated computer system that obtains, stores, retrieves, and displays digital images in healthcare and radiological images.” This is considered an EHR (electronic health record) application.
The radiology images are stored digitally. The typical images that can be viewed in this type of system are x-rays, MRI, and mammograms. Because these images are electronically stored, there is no need to keep a film copy of the results. This helps to free up space for other things at the facility.
One of the greatest benefits of this technology is that the diagnostic images are available for patient care when needed. This is of particular benefit to intensive care units of hospitals, urgent care centers, and emergency departments. It assists in point-of-care charting as well.
According to www.radiologybuyer.com, “You can add a laptop computer that has access to your home pacs, or a web-based pacs, which will then allow you to view digital images, send and receive them while on the road, and then store the digital images that you take to a server back at your home office.” In addition, this technology makes archiving the digital images easy. It also allows providers to make copies of the images on CD or DVD for the patient to take to doctor’s appointments and specialist visits to continue their care.
Not only does this technology benefit humans, but it is also used in veterinary clinics. Often pets are just like family, and the use of these systems helps to make care for pets much more efficient too.
With the legislation in effect to promote the adoption of a paperless medical record by the year 2014, facilities are feeling the pressure to make everything electronic, and the use of this option is one of the ways to accomplish this. It works well in all healthcare settings and even in veterinary clinics and hospitals. It is a great way to save money and free up storage space. It is a great solution for all those involved in healthcare.