PACS Solution Solves Radiologist Recruiting Problem for Rural Hospital

Challenge

Following the retirement of a radiologist, Cottage Hospital had difficulties recruiting another radiologist to practice at its rural location. The staff reduction increased the time it took to get images read, and sending out films to referring radiologist was slow and not cost effective.

Solution

Cottage Hospital turned to Aspyra for its AccessNET™ PACS (picture archive and communications systems) solution to quickly transition the organization to a filmless facility, with the exception of mammography images. The organization began using the system full time in only six hours following implementation.

Results

The Aspyra solution provided the technology for Cottage Hospital to have images read by radiologists at remote locations, and provided the organization with a cost effective way to send out images on CDs for referrals.

Cottage Hospital is a 25-bed critical access facility. While the organizations rural location posed some challenges in recruiting radiologists, it also provided the opportunity for the hospital to transition toward an increased use of technology. Prior to the implementation of the Aspyra solution, Cottage Hospital's use of technology was minimal. Although a clinical information system (CIS) was in place, the majority of processes and documentation were performed manually.

“Our use of the Aspyra PACS solution opened new doors for us,” said Marcy Rushford, radiology manager at Cottage Hospital. “The radiologists and the technologists loved using the system from the very beginning, which spawned an increased use of our existing CIS, and made us look at other ways to leverage the PACS system. The success we realized with the PACS solution prompted us to look at additional solutions that could be used in other areas within our facility.”

The AccessNET PACS solution was installed in April 2005, and within six hours following implementation, Cottage Hospital made the switch to become a filmless facility, with the exception of mammography, which uses laser-print film. The PACS solution enabled Cottage Hospital to have remote radiologists read images on demand for routine visits and emergency coverage.The hospital has a viewing station in its emergency room, an orthopedic physician has one in his office, and a radiologist has a viewing station at home for remote readings after hours or in emergency situations. Under a special agreement, magnetic resonance images are read by specialists at Fletcher Allen Health Care in Vermont.

“The remote reading capabilities have greatly improved workflow within our organization and have improved care delivery because physicians and patients can get results faster, rather than waiting or having to refer patients to other physicians,” Rushford said.