Picture Archiving and Communications Systems (PACS) is an electronic information system for storing, sorting, sharing, and displaying medical images. PACS allows healthcare organizations to store, view, and share all types of images internally and externally.
Components
- Imaging modalities such as X-ray, CT, and MRI
- A secured network for the transmission of patient information
- Workstations for reviewing and interpreting images
- Archives for the storage and retrieval of images and other data
Advantages
- Enhanced analysis and viewing
- Improved data management
- Secure access to patient images and data
- Chronological data management
- User-friendly software
PACS is beneficial to the diagnostician, referring physician, patient, and the healthcare facility. The benefits to each are summarized below:
Diagnostician
- Improved access to current and historical patient records
- File integrity and speedy retrieval
- More accurate diagnosis
Referring Physician
- Better patient management and earlier intervention
- Better patient outcome
- Reduced length of stay
Patient
- Better quality of care and patient experience
- Shorter examination times
Hospital
- Better communication with physicians
- Improved facility administration
- Enhanced training with online access
Planning to invest in a PACS?
