| Abbeville Area Medical Center is teaming up with Virtual Radiology to upgrade its server-based Picture Archival Computer System (PACS) to the cloud. The announcement was made today by David Able, director of radiology.
Moving the PACS to the cloud means all digitally stored XRAYs and images will accessible from anywhere in the world. Physicians will be able to view images from any computer or i-Pad, and will even be able to see non-diagnostic patient images from an i-Phone or Android. The new system will also be helpful for communication between facilities. For example, a patient arriving at AAMC with a head trauma can have his or her XRAYs immediately shared with neurosurgeons in Greenwood or another location, rather than waiting for the images to be hand-delivered.
The new system also ensures security in the event of a natural disaster or crisis. Whereas a server-based system stored in-house is vulnerable to fires, weather, and other hazards, files stored on the cloud are protected.
“We are excited to be one of the first – if not the first - hospital in the state to implement this new technology,” said Able. “This new system will allow us to streamline image sharing, which will benefit both our patients and physicians. Cloud-based virtual radiology is much more efficient and we’re proud to be on the cutting edge by offering this technology. It’s just another example of the smarter care offered at Abbeville.”
The new virtual PACS is expected to be in place by the spring of 2012. For more information about Abbeville Area Medical Center visit www.AbbevilleAreaMC.com.
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