PACS: implementation in the U.S. Department of Defense

Anna K. Chacko M.D.; Ronald Wider; John R. Romlein; Michael A. Cawthon M.D.; Ronald R. Richardson Jr.; H. William Lollar; Jay F. Cook; Harold L. Timboe; Thomas G. Johnson; Douglas W. Fellows

doi:10.1117/12.386397

18 May 2000 PACS: implementation in the U.S. Department of Defense

Anna K. Chacko M.D., Ronald Wider, John R. Romlein, Michael A. Cawthon M.D., Ronald R. Richardson Jr., H. William Lollar, Jay F. Cook, Harold L. Timboe, Thomas G. Johnson, Douglas W. Fellows

Author Affiliations +

Proceedings Volume 3980, Medical Imaging 2000: PACS Design and Evaluation: Engineering and Clinical Issues; (2000) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.386397
Event: Medical Imaging 2000, 2000, San Diego, CA, United States

Abstract

The Department of Defense has been a leader in Radiology re- engineering for the past decade. Efforts have included the development of two landmark PACS specifications (MDIS and DIN- PACS), respective vendor selection and implementation programs. A Tri-Service (Army, Navy and Air Force) Radiology re-engineering program was initiated which identified transitioning to digital imaging, PACS and teleradiology as key enabling technologies in a changing business scenario. Subsequently, the systematic adjustment of procurement process for radiological imaging equipment included a focus on specifying PACS-capable-digital imaging modalities and mini- PACS as stepping stones to make the hospitals and health clinics PACS-ready. The success of the PACS and teleradiology program in the DOD is evidenced by the near filmless operation of most Army and Air Force Medical Centers, several community hospitals and several operational teleradiology constellations. Additionally, the MDIS PACSystem has become the commercial PACS product for General Electric Medical Systems. The DOD continues to forge ahead in the PACS arena by implementing advanced configurations and operational concepts such as the VRE (Virtual Radiology Environment), the negotiation of Regional Archiving and Regional PACS Maintenance Programs. Newer regulations (HIPAA, the FDA approval of digital mammography) have been promulgated impacting the culture and conduct of our business. Incorporating their requirements at the very outset will enable us to streamline the delivery of radiology. The DOD community has embraced the information age at multiple levels. The Healthcare portion of this community with these initiatives is integrating itself into DOD's future. The future holds great possibilities, promises and challenges for the DOD PACS programs.

Citation Download Citation

Anna K. Chacko M.D., Ronald Wider, John R. Romlein, Michael A. Cawthon M.D., Ronald R. Richardson Jr., H. William Lollar, Jay F. Cook, Harold L. Timboe, Thomas G. Johnson, and Douglas W. Fellows "PACS: implementation in the U.S. Department of Defense", Proc. SPIE 3980, Medical Imaging 2000: PACS Design and Evaluation: Engineering and Clinical Issues, (18 May 2000); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.386397

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available