Eastman Kodak Company demonstrated enhancements to its CARESTREAM Radiology Solutions platform, including productivity-enhancing features and tools that serve entry-level users as well as large healthcare systems and regional organizations.
KODAK CARESTREAM Radiology Solutions include KODAK CARESTREAM PACS (picture archiving and communications system) and KODAK CARESTREAM RIS (radiology information system).
“Kodak’s newest PACS platform will support workflow grid computing, which facilitates storage and retrieval of information throughout an enterprise with a shared infrastructure that can serve multiple sites throughout a city or region,” said Joe Naoum, Consultant, Healthcare Information Solutions, Middle East & Africa, Eastman Kodak Company.
Workflow grid computing will increase the availability and redundancy of a multi-site system. It also provides efficient management of distributed storage systems and rapid delivery of archived data to any review location.
Business continuity is expedited by supporting access from a secondary data center if the primary data center experiences equipment failure or a natural disaster. Cost efficiencies can be achieved through the sharing of storage resources, with flexible allocation that can be adjusted to match the changing needs of each facility.
Kodak’s current version of CARESTREAM PACS software offers a virtual desktop environment that allows any application, including 3D processing, to be delivered to any desktop inside or outside the organization.
CARESTREAM Radiology Solutions provide a comprehensive architecture that addresses the diverse operational needs of clinics, imaging centers, hospitals and healthcare networks, including orthopaedic, mammography and oncology facilities.
Latest PACS Software Upgrades
The latest PACS software upgrade will enhance the effectiveness of Kodak’s virtual desktop with the following new features:
• Dynamic streaming capabilities will reduce the need for large bandwidth network connections, even for viewing of 3D, cardiac CT and other extremely large image files. As a result, healthcare facilities can streamline the delivery of radiology reports through the use of off-site radiologists and specialists.
• Optional digital dictation, speech recognition and reporting functions for facilities that do not have integrated radiology information systems.
RIS to Feature Outpatient Practice Management
Kodak’s newest CARESTREAM RIS platform will include:
• A complete outpatient practice management system that includes patient scheduling, radiologist interpretation, report distribution, management reporting and billing functions. This system equips imaging centers to handle all aspects of patient workflow beginning with verifying insurance eligibility and ending with submission of claims and posting of payments from patients and insurance companies.
• Kodak’s RIS can also be integrated with existing patient scheduling and practice management systems.
About Kodak Health Group:
Kodak’s Health Group, with 2005 revenues of $2.65 billion, is a world leader in supplying the medical and dental professions with advanced healthcare products, services and information technology solutions. Its broad portfolio includes picture archiving and communications systems (PACS), radiology information systems (RIS), healthcare information systems, computed radiography (CR) and digital radiography (DR) systems, laser imagers, mammography and oncology systems, x-ray film systems, dental imaging products, and a range of consulting—as well as repair and maintenance—services.
Kodak recently entered into an agreement to sell the Health Group to Onex Healthcare Holdings, Inc., a subsidiary of Onex Corporation. Headquartered in Toronto, Canada, Onex is one of Canada’s largest corporations with a significant and rapidly growing group of healthcare companies. Subject to regulatory and other approvals, it is anticipated that the sale will close in the first half of 2007.
For more information about Kodak’s Health Group, contact your Kodak representative or visit www.kodak.com/go/health..
________________________________
