Radiology Systems

Computer-assisted coding software streamlines radiology departments  

The value of computer-assisted coding (CAC) software, which uses clinical documentation provided by radiology or other types of practitioners to generate a set of medical codes for review, validation and other uses, is not the elimination of the need for human coders but the freedom it gives them to focus on more difficult and interesting tasks.

Rick Toren, founder and chairman of CodeRyte, explains, “The efficiency of having a computer read simple and repetitive phrases and code them allows human workers to concentrate on the documents that are more in-depth and require more intelligence…a computer may be able to do [coding] more accurately because as humans, we tend to make mistakes when we get into repetitive work…If the computer can take over these mundane tasks, it not only opens up more time for workers to focus on harder jobs, but it ensures better accuracy.”

A-Life Medical, the 2010 Red Herring 100 North America Winner, unveiled its Natural Language Processing (NLP) technology LifeCode® in 2005.  LifeCode® supports its computer-assisted coding (CAC) solution Actus. "A-Life is recognized in the healthcare information technology sector for its cutting-edge CAC technologies and solutions, which led to the rapid growth and innovation that Red Herring is now acknowledging," states president Jaye Connolly.

Best-in-Class Radiology Systems Providers:

• Offer radiology-specific functions such as 3D rendering and MIP/MPR
• Radiology software supports industry standards such as IHE, DICOM and HL7
• Able to easily access images and notes from off-site locations with an internet connection

Top Considerations Before Selecting Radiology Systems Provider:
It is important to make sure that the hardware is configured to work with the radiology software. The providers should have tested it under real-world conditions and should be prepared to offer an on-sight demonstration. Your vendor should also have a good radiology information system (RIS) and picture archiving and communication system (PACS) training, implementation and support program for your staff.

 Key Providers:

1. A-Life Medical’s computer-assisted coding (CAC) solution Actus together with its proprietary Natural Language Processing (NLP) technology LifeCode supports the coding process by giving coders suggested and traceable reimbursable codes. Key features and benefits of A-Life’s computer-assisted coding solutions include: ability to quickly find‚ review and verify electronic medical records; improved coder productivity; reduced turnaround time and labor costs; reliable‚ accurate coding of outpatient records; and integration with hundreds of billing, hospital and documentation management systems. A-Life Medical provides solutions to healthcare organizations specializing in radiology, pathology, emergency medicine and cardiology.

2. United Radiology Systems, Inc.'s (URS) PXM-20 BT and PXM-40BT for veterinarians are compact and lightweight battery-powered, cordless, portable X-ray units that utilize micro technology and a powerful lithium-ion battery, which can deliver up to 3000 mAs of power without having to be recharged. The XP-16HF Micro Portable, designed for equine veterinarians, weighs only 13.8 lb. Its dual laser focuses on the center of X-ray film at a 26 inch preset SID. The company describes the PXP-16HF as "the lightest, smartest and most durable X-ray unit in the world."

3. Clario Medical Imaging, Inc.'s zVision integrates multi-site, multi-vendor, multi-PACS and multi-RIS environments. zVision’s RIS-based unified worklist enables the analysis  of a  practice with its own productivity, turnaround and resource planning metrics; creation of customized worklists using advanced search and filtering, management and tracking of communications, including critical results, call reports and discrepancies and quality assurance with peer review tools that integrated into the workflow. Clario’s customers include hospitals, imaging centers and private practice radiology groups.

4. 7 Medical Systems, LLC's 7 Orthopedic-on-Demand™ Suite, which combines practice management, EMR and PACS into one seamless, integrated system, is designed especially for orthopedic clinics. The 7i Imaging-on-Demand Suite includes a virtualized image archival system; a gateway for image compression, local storage and routing; a Web-based interface for image viewing and retrieval; and a brokering application that enables electronic exchange of imaging data by integrating digital imaging solutions with healthcare applications, such as an HIS, RIS, EMR or PMS, using HL7, DICOM or SQL protocols. The 7i RIS electronically sends order information and puts this information into the worklist and dictation system.

Radiology Systems 
Definition: Radiology systems comprise a picture archiving and communication system (PACS), which involves the storage and retrieval of images, and a radiology information system (RIS), which is a computerized database for patient tracking and scheduling, result reporting and image tracking.